Panel Siding: Nailheads and Batten Painting

[Danno]

Hi!

Background

I'm building a 14x28 workshop, 2x4 stud walls 2' oc. I've nailed LP SmartSide panel siding directly to the studs. I plan on putting in insulation and a vapor barrier on the inner side of the studs.

The panel siding is pre-primed and has a wood texture. I'll be caulking beetween the joints, except where I've installed an L-flashing between the top and bottom panels. Or do I need to caulk there too?

For the most part, I've used galvanized 8d nails, but went to 16-20d on the front shear wall. ~90% of the nail heads were left snug, some flush, and some past flush. Per LP directions, only paint is needed for nails countersunk 1/16" or less. Caulking is needed if sunk deeper. Sound okay?

I will also prime the cut edges of the panels.

Questions

How noticable will the snug nailheads be after painting? I don't really want to go around and nail all of them flush.

And I tentatively plan on putting battens to cover the ugly panel joints in the front. Some of them are 3/8" wide. Will make a built-up door too. I want to paint the panels red and the battens white. Can I paint the battens before nailing the up?

Thanks!

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[Danno]

Here's another view from the side. Shows the color better.

[VALENT]

I would probably go back and nail the heads flush. It wont be that difficult just time consuming. Just do it while you are caulking the joints. Definitely paint the battens first and then nail them up and then just touch up later. A good quality paint will hide those nails for a good while either way but better if they are driven correctly. Plus there will be no outward movement-however slight- of the panels.

[Danno]

Thanks, V :-)