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Painting PVC trim boards

dieselpig | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 18, 2005 04:55am

Hi gang.

I had a painter out today to price out painting the ranch.  I was telling him that all the trim was PVC and that I wanted to use an acrylic latex paint for all the trim (and siding as well) as that is what is recommended.  I could tell by his face that he wasn’t thrilled.

He then said that he would have to give me a shorter warranty period on the PVC trim as he has had problems with the paint peeling within 6 months or so on past jobs.  I’ve haven’t heard of this problem.  I painted the PVC trim on my last house myself with 100% acrylic latex paint and didn’t have any problems at all in the 18 months I lived there afterwards.  IIRC I don’t think I even primed, although I may have.

If it matters, we’re planning on painting all the trim a cream color. 

Any of you folks ever have an problems with painting PVC trim boards?  I used Celtec (or Zeltec) brand this time as that is what my yard is currently stocking.  Seems closer to Azek than Koma in my opinion.  Any suggestions regarding the painting the trim in terms of types of paint, priming, and color choices if they effect the performance of the paint?

Also, for both the house and the trim, should I be looking for one coat primer and two top coats for a good exterior paint job, or is that over kill?  Siding is factory pre-primed Hardi-Plank.

TIA, Brian


Edited 10/17/2005 9:56 pm ET by dieselpig

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  1. MRinger | Oct 18, 2005 05:39am | #1

    If you are painting light colors on PVC trim it is fine, but darker colors like musket brown I would'nt. Priming on PVC trim...my painter didn't bother....he use 100% arcylic latex ext. paint, same thing goes for the siding.



    Edited 10/17/2005 10:43 pm ET by MRinger

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Oct 18, 2005 02:26pm | #2

      Thanks Ringer.

  2. darcy | Oct 18, 2005 02:36pm | #3

    Hey Brian,

    When I was doing exterior trim with Azek, our painters filled the holes with bondo and painted one coat with Sherwin-Williams Duration paint. It's recommended for PVC.

    darcy

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Oct 19, 2005 02:19am | #4

      Sweet.  Thanks Darcy.

      1. darcy | Oct 19, 2005 05:03am | #10

        Also, don't forget to screw off all of you butt and scarf joints to prevent movement.I also forgot to mention that our painter filled their holes with bondo.Hope this helps...
        darcy

  3. User avater
    EricPaulson | Oct 19, 2005 02:23am | #5

    I'm curious what he wanted to use?

    I thought it was only oil till I read the tags!

    Eric

    It's Never Too Late To Become

    What You Might Have Been

     

     

     

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    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Oct 19, 2005 03:00am | #6

      I don't think it was the choice of paint that he didn't like Eric, he just doesn't like working with the PVC stuff as he had a warranty issue with it in the past.  I guess he had a job peel after 6 months.  Maybe the wrong paint was used that time.

      1. User avater
        EricPaulson | Oct 19, 2005 03:36am | #7

        Thanks.

        My concern might be that it doesn't seem to have a lot of tooth and might need to be scuffed up a bit for the paint to bite.

        Hope your feeling better.

        EricIt's Never Too Late To Become

        What You Might Have Been

         

         

         

        [email protected]

        1. User avater
          dieselpig | Oct 19, 2005 03:48am | #8

          Thanks Eric.  My cold is just about gone and the sun's been shining the past couple days.  I'm feeling much better.  A week of rain and no work really does a number on my squash.  Too much time to think, I guess.  I'm my own worst enemy.

          1. User avater
            EricPaulson | Oct 19, 2005 04:41am | #9

            Mike Smith uses a lot of Azek and the like.

            He should have some good info for you.

            It seems some nites the board does not have alot to offer.

            Take care.

            EricIt's Never Too Late To Become

            What You Might Have Been

             

             

             

            [email protected]

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