Lumber and Siding - Hardie Lap Siding paint methods

I've put the new hardie siding on the house, caulked it, and am just about ready to paint it. Thanks to all who have responded to my many questions to help me with this process.

I was thinking about renting a good paint sprayer (airless, or similar), covering everything that I don't want painted with plastic and tape, and then spraying the paint on the siding. I know the Hardie instructions indicate that you should "back roll" if this is done, which made me start to wonder: If there are people on this forum who have painted hardie using different methods, does anyone have preferred methods that they feel yield the best results? (I realize there may be as many responses to this as there are people responding, but that's fine - I want to know what people have experienced).

Thanks!

I've only painted a little of hardi [and similiar] siding - dog house dormers and such on brick homes so I brushed them. Anytime you paint a whole side of house with spray it is best to back roll or brush at least 1 coat. This helps to work the coating into the substrate instead of it just laying on top.

Spraying isn't quite as easy as it looks. Experience tells you how the overspray will go and how to best angle the gun for good coverage and ofcourse not have any runs. Back rolling/brushing will help to eliminate the last 2.