Replies

1. 
   DanH | Apr 03, 2011 09:54am | #1

   There are many different grades of both wood and synthetic moldings.  Probably the best thing to do is to buy a short piece of each candidate and try them out -- make a few miters and copes and see how easy they are to work with.  You can also see how well they take paint.

   Note that some synthetics are basically foam and quite soft -- take this into account if the molding is apt to receive any abuse.  More solid synthetics are probably more durable than wood, though.

2. 
   MarkH | Apr 03, 2011 10:05am | #2

   I was forced into installing foam trim a few times, and I would not use it myself.  I suppose it may be OK where it gets wet, but I can't even say that it would be better there either.  Mdf is a pain to work with, but in a dry location, it would be a good economical choice, and even has a couple advantages over painted wood trim.

3. 
   calvin | Apr 03, 2011 10:16am | #3

   MW, personally I would recommend and use ........

   for paint grade trim-fingerjointed and primed trim.

   The priming is good with what I can get here-Molding and Millworks  and another co.: Empire.

   MDF primed is also nice, but I don't like it for coped trim nor basebd-and of course in potentially damp areas (think for instance that you use it for around a tub deck, perhaps basebd where you'll mop the floor).  Another bad choice for MDF would be impact areas-either base of casing in traffic areas or in a home with grandkids or your children if small.

4. 
   seeyou | Apr 03, 2011 10:17am | #4

   If you are talking about MDF, use it.  It's more stable than wood and paints nicely.