WARNING: AZEK Trim cannot be used in structural applications
Do I need to paint AZEK Trim?
- AZEK Trim products do not require paint for protection, but may be painted to achieve a custom color or to cover nail holes that have been filled. If you choose to paint, use 100% acrylic latex paint with an LRV of 55 or higher.
- Definition of LRV (Light Reflective Value): LRV is the amount of light reflected from a painted surface. Black has a reflectance value of Zero (0) and absorbs all light and heat. White has a reflectance value of nearly 100 and keeps a building light and cool. All colors fit between these two extremes. Light Reflective Values are given as a percentage. For example, a color with a LRV of 55 means it will reflect 55% of the light that falls on it.
- For darker colors (LRV of 54 or lower), use paints specifically formulated for use on vinyl/pvc products such as, but not limited to, Sherwin- Williams VinylSafe™ coatings. These paints/coatings are designed to reduce excessive heat gain.
WARNING: It is recommended that you only use standard vinyl safe paint colors and do not request a custom blend from the paint manufacturer.
Can AZEK Trim be used in interior applications?
- AZEK Trim products can and have been used on a variety of interior applications. However, you should check with your local building code before installing AZEK or any thermoplastic product in an interior application.
What type of fasteners should be used to install AZEK Trim?
- You will want to use the same fasteners you would use for installing wood trim and siding. They should be stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized and long enough to penetrate the substrate a minimum of 1¼”.
- For best results, use fasteners designed for wood trim and wood siding. These fasteners have a thinner shank, blunt point, and full round head.
- Standard nail guns work well with AZEK Trim. If using pneumatic tools, use a fastener with a full round head and set the pressure so the fastener goes just beneath the surface of the AZEK board.
- IMPORTANT: Staples, brads, and wire nails should never be used. These products have shanks that are too small in diameter to control the thermal expansion and contraction properties of AZEK Trim.
What can I use to clean AZEK Trim?
- First, power wash or hose lose dirt off the trim board; make sure to test the setting for the power washer first so it does not damage the surface of the board.
- AZEK Trim products can be cleaned with Oxyclean and a medium nylon bristle brush. Then rinsed with a hose or power washer (be sure to test the pressure so it does not harm the surface of the board). Other cleaning methods include using a soft cloth and a mixture of mild detergent. Some people have found the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to work on pencil or other black marks. Other methods include denatured alcohol, mild household spray cleaner like Simple Green or Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser. When using cleaners other than a mixture of mild detergent and water, it is best to test on a small area or a scrap piece of AZEK Trim, to make sure it does not harm the surface or damage the product’s appearance. Always read the cleaning product manufacturer’s specific information before using any product on your AZEK Trim and follow their instructions.
- WARNING: Keep children and pets away from cleaning product and the Trim until completely dry.
- IMPORTANT: Do not use solvent based cleaners as they can harm the finish of AZEK Trim.
- Consult with your paint manufacturer for instructions on cleaning AZEK Trim that has already been painted.
Does AZEK Trim come in colors?
- AZEK Trim products are manufactured in a matte white only, but can be painted to achieve a custom color. (Refer to the painting section in our Trim Installation Guidelines)
What can I use to fill nail and screw holes?
- To fill nail holes, you will want to use polyurethane or acrylic based caulk or exterior spackle.
- If AZEK Trim will be painted, nail holes can be filled with acrylic Bondo.
- For best results, the following products seem to be some of the preferred methods used by industry professionals: Devcon’s Trimbonder, Extreme Adhesives’ Bond and Fill, Acrylic Caulk, Polyurethane Caulk, Auto Body Bondo, Vinyl Spackle, and or plastic wood fillers.
- IMPORTANT: We do not recommend using Silicone based caulk. Silicone based caulk does not adhere to AZEK Trim. Consult directly with the manufacturer of the aforementioned products if you have questions regarding adhesion in conjunction with the use of AZEK Trim products.
What type of adhesive should I use to join the ends of AZEK Trim boards?
- Put a thin layer of AZEK Adhesive on each end of the boards to be joined. Push the boards together so the ends are in complete contact with each other. As AZEK Adhesive does not have any filling capacity, insure that you have compression to hold the boards together while the adhesive cures. All boards must have 2 fasteners within 2” of the end of the joint. If the board is wider than 10”, you will need a fastener in the middle of the joint on both sides to insure compression at the joint and control expansion and contraction. Wipe excess adhesive off boards with a wet rag immediately, as adhesive is water soluble.
- You should always use scarf joints for all joint ends to ensure best results. Butt joints do not perform as well. For a proper butt joint, product must be pocket drilled to provide proper compression of AZEK adhesive.
- IMPORTANT: In applications where the product cannot be scarf jointed or pocket drilled, you must use an adhesive that provides filling capacity and strong adhesion with cellular PVC such as TrimBonder, Trim Welder or a similar adhesive product. You should always consult the adhesive manufacturer to determine suitability for your application.
Can AZEK Trim be used in structural application?
- No
WARNING: AZEK Trim products cannot be used in any stress or structural applications. AZEK Trim products can only be used as the decorative part of your application; either wood or metal structural components need to be incorporated for structural applications. Check with your architect or builder if your application is structural.