When building your house, you can opt for wood trims since it’s flexible and easier to purchase.
But you might not consider the future expenses you will go through when there is a need for replacement.
So it’s best to choose better alternatives such as PVC trims. PVC trim has a whitish color making it a perfect option for beautifying your house.
However, PVC is mainly for exterior applications, so is it possible to use it inside?
Although PVC trims are mainly for external uses, you can use them for the interior of your house. You can use them as paneling and baseboard in your kitchens, restroom, basement, and garage.
This article will tell you why to use PVC trims, how to use them correctly, and the best brands. So make sure you follow till the end of this article.
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Are PVC Trims Good Inside?
You can use PVC trim inside your house.
However, it’s always best to ask your contractor to guarantee that you’ve installed and are using them correctly and to ensure you follow the local law.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is from a honeycomb cellular layout used to replace wood for different construction projects.Â
It is an artificial polymer used to make tubes and other water-holding equipment.
Before using a PVC trim, you must know how to install them correctly so that it will operate competently.
Here is some basic installation you need to know.
#1. Cutting and Molding:
It’s best to use a sloped carbide cutter with fewer teeth for cutting a PVC trim, and the ideal number for the blade is 32.
For trimming PVC, it would be best to use a machine with 8000 RPMs and more.
#2. Arrangement of PVC Boards:
PVC length varies concerning temperature change. Hence, when you are putting two boards together.
It’s advisable to leave at least an â…› inch gap or construct a scarf joint, especially in climate conditions of about 70°F and above.
#3. Tightening PVC Trims:
Fasteners are the automated screw used for tightening the PVC to the hardboard wood, plywood, concrete substrate, or brick wall.
The best screw to use is the stainless steel nails since they are very thick and don’t tilt when you fasten them to the board.
Also, they are mostly long and can penetrate through a one or one-and-a-half-inch substrate.
#4. Use of Glue:
You might use solid industrial glue alongside your mechanical screws when securing the junctions between your PVC boards.
Doing so will prevent any gap formation between the boards. However, you might want to use the screw alone.
Still, if you use adhesive, go for solvent-based adhesives since they last longer and weld the boards tightly than silicon-based glue.
#5. PVC Joints:
Since the PVC trim length expands, you must use the best method to join the trim end during installation.
A perfect way is to create a shiplap or a scarf joint, using adhesive to glue the ends together.
Most home builders prefer the scarf joint because it conceals the board gaps during constriction.
Also, these joints expand the trim without leaving tension on your boards.
Do You Need To Paint the PVC Used Inside?
Painting a PVC trim is optional. PVC trim is mainly white, but you can paint your trim and customize them to your choice.
Painting PVC helps to reduce the dirt the frame attracts to itself. Nonetheless, you need to paint them correctly and use the right paint.
The best paint for your PVC is 100% acrylic latex paint. This paint is more durable and comes in different colors, which you can use to design your trim.
Here are some paints you need to avoid using;
- You must not use Lacquer paint for your PVC since they are weak and crack easily on the plastic surface.
- It’s advisable not to use dark paint colors since most have a specific light reflective value.
- When using bright colors, always ensure the light reflective value is above 55.
How To Paint a PVC Trim?
To paint a PVC trim, you need the following material;
- Plastic spray paint
- Acetone
- Rubber gloves
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Drop cloths
Step 1
It would help if you prepared your work area. Your location must be adequately aired but should be wind free to prevent exposure to harmful acetone and paint gases.
You must also ensure you sufficiently cover your furniture and electronics around the area.
Exercise extra caution while working with acetone, and wash your body thoroughly when you finish the work.
Step 2
Brush the pipe outward with 220-grit sandpaper. Please don’t use an electric sander since it can rub the tube too fast.
So it’s best to do this manually and be gentle on the pipes.
It would be best if you prepared a lot of sandpaper for rubbing the pipes because the sandpaper will lose its roughness when it comes in contact with the PVC.
Step 3
After rubbing the pipe, you need to clean it. Wear rubber gloves and a clean rag with acetone to wipe the pipe surface. Please leave it to dry for about 30 minutes.
Acetone will remove all the excess dirt and increase the PVC pipe surface making it more porous for painting.
Step 4
Protect your pipes against splatter by placing newspaper, plastic sheeting, or clothes in the areas vulnerable to overspray.
Step 5
This step is the fun part of the painting. Shake your spray paint properly for about 15 to 20 minutes, then thoroughly paint the pipe from top to bottom.
Step 6
After waiting about 30 minutes for the first paint to dry, you can apply the second coat. But exercise caution and be very thorough while doing this to avoid mistakes.
Apply the second paint until you attain your desired depth color, free of bald spots and defects.
Step 7
Leave the paint to dry for 24 hours before using your PVC for any projects. The PCV trim must dry properly to tolerate heat, scratch, and pressure during use.
When painting a PVC trim, you will come in contact with epoxy-based paint, which is very harmful to the body when you mishandle them.
So before you start painting, read the manual thoroughly and follow all the instructions. Also, observe the following safety guidelines:
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hand against chemicals.
- Wear a mask or respirator to prevent you from inhaling toxic gas.
- Wear goggles, safety glasses, or eye protection when working with paints.
Do you know: How To Trim Cabinet Opening?
Best PVC Trim Brand For Interior?
Different brands produce PVC trims. One of these brands includes Azek building products. Azek is one of the best brands in the world of PVC trims.
Although it’s mainly for exterior use, you can use it for your house interior. Other manufacturers of PVC trims include;
- Plastic components
- Versatex
- Future Transitions
Nonetheless, you can contact your home builder if unsure of the PVC brand best for your house interior.
PVC Vs. Wood Trim; Which Is Better For Inside?
PVC has a lot of similarities to wood trim, but various factors make them different.
So, if you want to design your house, consider which trim to use for your interior. The table below shows their differences.
| PVC Trims | Wood Trims |
|---|---|
| PVC trims are termite resistant and do not crack, rot, or split. | Wood trim is susceptible to termites and can crack or split. |
| Maintaining a PVC trim is very easy. | Maintaining wood trim is expensive and very difficult. |
| Painting a PVC trim depends on your preference. | You need to add a layer of paint to the wood trim. |
| PVC trims are stronger, more durable, and water-resistant. | Wood trim deteriorates when it comes in contact with water. |
Although it depends on your preference, PVC trims have more advantages over wood trims.
Unlike wood, they are lightweight, and their tensile stability gives them an advantage since they hardly get deformed over the years.
FAQs
#1. Is PVC Trim Expensive?
The cost of PVC is more expensive than other trim materials, but it is worth the extra cost, and the investment is just once.
#2. Is Vinyl the Same as PVC?
Vinyl and PVC are different. Vinyl is an ethane radical that refers to various ethylene-based compounds, while PVC is a vinyl chloride polymer.
Final Thoughts
You can use PVC trim for the interior of your house, but you need to use the best brand, install them correctly and follow the local requirement.
Also, painting the trim is optional, depending on your preference.
However, your PVC paint will only last long if you use 100% acrylic latex paint and follow all the instructions.
