I used Hardieplank siding, but we ended up using another product, LP Smartside trim for the soffits and facia, because it was much easier to get locally, and cheaper. However, I would say the Hardie materials would be the best choice for appearance and durability. I've seen the Hardie facia boards at Home Depot, and they look like great quality. I would not hesitate to use them, especially over vinyl or aluminum. From what I've read from other posters, if you use a high quality paint, you could easily go 10 years or more between paintings. Considering its only soffits, etc, its not that much to paint anyway.

If you really don't want to do this again anytime soon, then I would reprime with a slow drying oil and then apply two topcoats. The factory primer is the lowest quality primer in the world and sometimes it is even thinned way down so it can be run through a machine. The absolute best way to do this is to just buy raw wood. You will also want to prime any butt joint cuts if possible. I think if you have rough sewn siding, then your trim should be rough side out to match?

Thank you beacher, I kinda understood what the carpenter was trying to explain to me, but I was still unsure. You have made it much clearer for me. Thanks for the tip on the gutters as well, it makes sense to caulk and paint before reintalling the gutters. I was not aware of the pvc type trim stock, but then again, this is a whole new adventure for me. When I spoke with my carpenter, I explained that we would most likely be selling in the next 3 -5 years and wanted a good middle of the road type material. We are still paying on major foundation work from last year and while we want this job done right, we can't afford to go high end materials. He suggested masonite. So that is the plan. Is there any reason why that would be a bad choice? And as I type this I realize that I don't know if the trim stock and facia wood are the same thing. Sorry to show such ignorance, but then again, that's why I'm here. Great bunch of people over here to help find my way through this project. Brickeyee, thanks for the suggestion of the minwax on the end grain. I am guessing that the end grain is the acutal end of the piece of wood? And does the paint go over the minwax with any problem? Again, thanks so much...I really appreciate the insight and help. :-) Erin

@joseph_corlett thank you that's great! Looking into that now.