PVC trim is a popular choice for window and door frames, as it is durable and easy to clean. But some homeowners may wonder if it is possible to paint PVC trim and if so, what type of paint should be used.
Yes, painting PVC trim is possible. but it is important to use the right type of paint. Oil-based paints are not recommended, as they can yellow and crack over time. Instead, opt for a latex-based paint. Read this article for more information about different types of paint.
What is the best paint to use on PVC trim?
The best paint for PVC trim is a water-based 100% acrylic paint or a urethane-modified acrylic paint.
Acrylic resin is a great choice for exterior applications because it resists staining, water damage, cracking, blistering and UV light.
This makes it a great option for outdoor spaces that see a lot of wear and tear from weather and UV exposure.
An acrylic resin will not yellow in sunlight over time, making it a long-lasting choice for your home.
A Polyurethane-modified acrylic paint will make the paint even more durable. The main ingredients to make polyurethane are di- and tri-isocyanates and polyols.
It’s a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications, including paints, sealants, and adhesives.
Acri-Shield Max Exterior from PPG is a premium quality urethane-modified acrylic exterior house paint. It’s mildew resistant and has great hide and coverage properties.
It’s a paint with paint and primer in one which means that you don’t have to apply a separate primer before painting.
What customers have said about Acri-Shield Max Exterior:
“I have used Acryshield Max on many commercial and residential projects. Every time I use this product, it keeps performing to great standards. Is very easy to work, the application, coverage and flow….this product has it all. It covers very well with all colors and its performance is impressive. The color retainage and finish in many of my projects still looking like the day I completed them. Acryshield is affortable and one of the most important paint products in my arsenal”
“I’ve used Benjamin Moore Paints (Ben & Aura) Aura is like spreading thick pancake batter and Ben is like Aura‘s little brother but not as gooey. Aqua Shield-Max PPG has better flow, spreadability, easier to work with and is a premium quality paint! It covers extremely well too. I love using this paint.”
Duration from Sherwin Williams is an acrylic paint that is used and liked by professional painters. It’s self-priming and provides a mildew-resistance coating as well.
It requires just one coat for repaints and two coats for new work so exterior jobs get done fast. It’s available in flat, low lustre (slightly more gloss than eggshell), satin and gloss finishes.
What customers have said about Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex :
“This is the only paint that our contractor would guarantee (!!!) for 7 years. It lasted longer than 7 years in the extreme Georgia heat. No peeling, cracking, or chalking. When we had the house repainted we insisted again on Duration. Wonderful product.”
“My husband and I painted our home last summer. The paint went on very easy. Our home hadn’t been painted in about 20 years so the siding did soak up the paint. We used about 1.5 times the paint that we thought we would. We have had no problems with bubbles or pealing, although it went on during a heat wave. It looks fabulous! We have gotten many compliments. I thought that the paint was a bit more expensive than the box stores, but well worth it. We will definitely use Sherwin Paints again.”
BEHR Ultra is a top-rated exterior self-priming, mildew and stain resistant paint. It comes in flat, satin and semi-gloss sheens.
What customers have said about Behr Ultra:
“I love the application of this paint and the durability is awesome! The paint and primer in 1 is the best way to go. I applied this paint to my house last year and it looks like new to this day. It has weathered a hurricane and many Georgia storms. I am super impressed. The neighbors always complement the paint.!
“I bought this for my daughters college home. We used a sprayer and Behr paint has such a great constituency and no clogging. Boys (brothers) painted home in a weekend. She loves the colors and we loved the way it covered over the old. House looked new, we get a lot of compliments, Thanks Behr!”
With these 3 paint to choose from, you can’t go wrong when painting PVC trim. They will all provide great coverage and durability.
What is PVC?
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that is used in a wide variety of products. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for many applications.
PVC is often used in plumbing and electrical wiring, as well as in construction. PVC, or vinyl as it is also called, is one of the most common materials for a house siding in the U.S. It is also commonly used in food packaging and in medical devices.
PVC is made from common salt and hydrocarbon feedstocks. The electrolysis of salt water produces chlorine, which is combined with ethylene to form a vinyl chloride monomer (VCM).
PVC resin is made by polymerizing VCM molecules. It is then customized by adding appropriate additives.
A polymer is a large molecule made up of many smaller molecules called monomers. Polymerizing is the process of combining these monomers to form a polymer.
In the case of PVC, this process is used to create a resin that can be used to make products like window trim and house siding.
Do you need to prime PVC trim before painting?
Usually, it is not necessary to prime PVC trim before painting. However, if the trim is new or has never been painted before then some prep work may be necessary.
You may need to sand the trim lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to.
A glossy surface can be wiped with acetone or denatured alcohol which will help the paint to adhere better.
Can you paint over the existing paint on PVC trim?
As long as the surface is properly prepared, you can paint over the existing paint on PVC trim either by spraying or roller and brush. The surface should be clean and dry, and any chipped or flaking paint should be removed.
Sanding the surface lightly will also help the new paint to adhere better.
What are the benefits of using PVC trim?
Some of the benefits of using PVC trim include:
- It’s durable and easy to clean.
- It’s resistant to staining
- Doesn’t absorb moisture
- Resists insects infestation
- It won’t rot
What are the disadvantages of using PVC trim?
Some of the disadvantages of using PVC trim can be:
- It yellows over time so it needs to be painted.
- Not easily repairable
- Not eco friendly
- Can expand when painted in dark colors
Conclusion
When your PVC trim has gone through the rigors of time and weather, a new coat of paint can give it a much-needed facelift and increase its lifespan.
Painting PVC trim is possible but you should take some time to prepare the surface beforehand. By doing this, you’ll achieve great results that last for many years.