do you have any experience with the factory painted hardie siding- does the finish hold up? why paint it when you can order it already painted? We are getting ready to side with Hardie board and batten and can't decide whether to paint it ourselves- any thoughts?

The pre painted is great and holds up very well - really just a question of color - also if you paint it yourself you can get a very even coat and you can cover all the blemishes, etc. that might occur during the construction process.