Does Pvc Trim Outside Need To Be Painted?

PVC trim is a popular choice for indoor and outdoor trim due to its durability, water resistance, and smooth surface. It is often used over wood or MDF as it doesn’t rot, warp, or get soggy. However, it is sometimes optional to not paint the PVC trim, but it tends to show dirt if it doesn’t have a good coat of paint. To avoid this distortion, use vinyl-safe paint colors. When painting the trim with a color with a light reflective value (LRV) of 57 or above, a high-quality 100 acrylic latex or acrylic blend paint is recommended.

Once you paint the PVC trim, you will have to keep it up with paint peals. The paint should be an acrylic-based paint with UV Reflection additives to ensure that the paint does not absorb heat, as that can lead to PVC mishaping when placed in direct sunlight. Brushing on the latex-paint top coat is the appropriate paint for exterior PVC trim. You can thereafter apply a second coating once.

PVC trim can be cut and shaped like wood, but doesn’t absorb moisture like wood trim and doesn’t need to be repainted every four to five years. A primer is only needed if you want the paint manufacturer’s warranty. Excellent adhesion can be achieved by using denatured alcohol wipe down and no primer. Azek suggests denatured alcohol wipe down and no primer, and they have painted many a mile of it this way without trouble.

In conclusion, PVC trim is an ideal choice for adding long-term beauty without the chore of ongoing maintenance. It requires proper cleaning, sanding, and application of the right paint, primer, and surface preparation.