When it comes to home improvement projects, painting is often at the top of the list. It’s a relatively quick and easy way to refresh the look of your home and add value to your property. But what about painting Azek trims?
Azek is a PVC material that comes with a matte finish. It is designed to be low maintenance and to resist fading, cracking, and warping. For this reason, many people opt to leave Azek as it is. But if you want to change the look of your outdoor living space, it is possible to paint Azek.
Let’s dive into the article to explore the pros and cons of painting Azek trims, as well as the best type of paint to use and how to go about the painting process.
Is Painting Azek better than leave it be?
Painting Azek trims is often a consideration for homeowners looking to freshen up the look of their exterior home. Azek trims are a popular choice for their low maintenance, durability, and natural wood-like appearance. However, there are a few pros and cons to consider before committing to painting your Azek trims.
Pros
- Customization: One of the main benefits of painting is the ability to customize the color of your trims to match your home’s exterior or personal preference. With Azek, you have the option of choosing from a variety of pre-colored products, but painting allows you to select any color you want.
- Protection: Another reason to consider painting Azek trims is for protection. While Azek is highly durable and resistant to moisture and decay, the paint adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, such as UV rays and water. This can help extend the life of your trims and save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run.
- Repair: If you already have Azek trims that are scratched or damaged in some way, painting can be an effective way to cover up the blemishes and make them look new again. This can be especially useful if you can’t afford to replace the trims at the moment.
Cons
- Maintenance: Painted surfaces generally require more maintenance than unpainted ones. Over time, paint can chip, fade, or peel and will need to be touched up or repainted to keep the trims looking fresh. This can be a hassle and an additional expense.
- Specialized paints are needed for the best results: If you choose to paint your AZEK. Using the incorrect paint can cause the material to warp and require replacement. So, it is important to use paints that are safe and designed specifically for AZEK. These specialized paints can be more expensive than regular paints.
The Best Type of Paint to Use for Azek Trims
When it comes to painting Azek trims, it’s important to use paint that is specifically formulated for exterior use and has good adhesion and durability. Some options to consider include the following:
Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex
This paint is known for its long-lasting performance and resistance to fading, peeling, and blistering. It’s also easy to clean and has low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex
Another high-quality paint option is Emerald, which features excellent coverage and a smooth, even finish. It’s resistant to mildew and has a low-sheen finish that helps hide imperfections.
Resilience® Exterior Acrylic Latex
Resilience is another good choice for painting Azek trims, thanks to its durability and fade-resistant properties. It also has a low-sheen finish and is easy to clean.
Ben® Exterior Acrylic Paint Latex
Ben is a trusted brand for exterior paint, and their latex formula is suitable for use on Azek trims. It has good coverage and adhesion and is resistant to fading, peeling, and blistering.
Out of these options, I recommend Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex as the best choice for painting Azek trims. It has a proven track record of performance and is specifically designed for use on exterior surfaces, including synthetic materials like Azek.
How to Paint Azek Trims?
If you’ve decided that painting your Azek trims is the right choice for you, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to ensure a smooth and successful project:
Step 1: Prepping The Trims
The key to a good paint job is proper preparation. Start by cleaning the trims with a pressure washer or a mixture of water and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, sand the trims lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to rough up the surface and improve the paint’s adhesion. And mask off any adjacent surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on, such as windows or doors.
Step 2: Applying The Paint
Once the trims are prepped and ready to go, it’s time to start painting. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the paint in thin, even coats, making sure to cover all areas thoroughly. Don’t overload the brush or roller, as this can lead to drips and an uneven finish.
Step 3: Finishing The Job
After the first coat of paint has dried (follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time), you may want to apply a second coat for added protection and a smoother finish.
Once the final coat is dry, carefully remove the masking tape and dispose of it properly. Allow the paint to dry completely before closing any windows or doors, and try to avoid heavy foot traffic on the trims for at least 24 hours.
-Is it Necessary to Paint Azek, or Can it Be Left as It is?
Azek does not require painting, as it is already designed to be a low-maintenance material. It is meant to withstand varying weather conditions without deteriorating, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. However, if you do decide to paint Azek, be sure to follow a painting OSB guide for best results.
Do You Need To Prime Azek Before Painting?
It is not essential to prime Azek before painting it. This is due to the fact that Azek is a PVC-based substance that is exceptionally durable and does not need priming. Painting Azek is also a simple operation that does not require the use of a primer to achieve consistent coverage.
Instead, you should use a high-quality latex paint specifically formulated for use on Azek. This ensures the best results, as the paint adheres to the Azek more effectively and produces a more even finish.
Additionally, you should use a paintbrush specifically designed for use with Azek to prevent chipping and cracking.
How Long Does Paint Last on Azek?
On average, paint applied to Azek surfaces can last anywhere from 3-6 years. However, this lifespan is heavily dependent on the amount and quality of maintenance performed on the surface.
Regular cleaning and sealing of the Azek surfaces are necessary in order to extend the life of the paint, as well as protect it from the effects of weather and sunlight.
Additionally, the quality of the paint used is also a major factor in the longevity of the paint. High-quality paints that are specifically designed for Azek surfaces are the best option for achieving a long-lasting finish.
Painting Azek
Conclusion
Painting Azek trims can be a great way to add a stylish touch to your home while also protecting the material from damage. While it is not necessary to paint Azek trims due to their weatherproof capabilities, it can be a great option if you are looking to add a unique feature to your home.
When painting Azek trims, make sure you use the right type of paint and ensure the trims are properly prepped before applying the paint. With the right preparation, your Azek trims will look great for years to come.