Homeowners who prefer a low-maintenance trim, deck, patio, or pavers are increasingly using Azek for that purpose. Unlike wooden trims and decks subject to insect damage and rot, Azek is durable and almost maintenance-free.
But can you paint Azek to match your home’s overall color theme?
Azek (one of the Best Composite Decking Brands) comprises PVC and recycled synthetic materials in its structure. Therefore, the material is resistant to insects and moisture damage but can still sustain discoloration from molds.
Knowing whether you can paint Azek can help you decide better for your home’s exterior finish.
Read along to learn the following;
- Is azek paintable
- How to paint azek trim boards
- Why Should You Paint Azek Products?
- Does AZEK trim come in colors?
Can You Paint Azek?
Yes, you can paint Azek, but it doesn’t necessarily require painting. However, if you choose to paint Azek a custom color, you must use 100% acrylic latex paint with a color bearing a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or higher. If you choose to paint a dark color whose Light Reflective Value is below 55, make sure you use special heat reflective paint.
Can You Paint Azek a Dark Color?
No, Azek requires using a light color with a light reflective value (LRV) of at least 55. However, if you must use a dark-colored paint with an LRV below 55 on Azek, ensure it’s a select vinyl-safe color with special heat reflective properties.
The Azek material expands and contracts with heat since it’s made of plastic (PVC). Therefore, a dark-colored paint on Azek would have the same effect as moisture on wood. The dark color will attract more heat and cause the material to expand.
So you want to try and go as light as possible with your paint color choice to minimize heating and possible warping.
Does Azek Need to be Painted
Azek is a synthetic material, and does not require painting for maintanance. But if you want to paint Azek, acrylic latex paints are your best option for painting over Azek. Azek is also stain resistant.
How to Paint Azek Trim Board
Painting an Azek product is a straightforward process. However, you must pay attention to the material’s specific requirements to get it right.
Materials
- Denatured Alcohol
- Soap and water
- Lint-free cloth
- Trim paint brush
- Paint (we recommend 100% acrylic paint)
Painting Azek trim Board Step by Step
Follow these 2-step Azek painting instructions for the best results.
Step 1: Preparing Azek for painting
Azek Trim or Moulding tends to pick up dirt and dust, so you want to make sure you wipe down the surface with denatured alcohol to clean and properly prepare it before painting. A lint-free cloth dampened with denatured alcohol should help get any grease, dirt, and grime off the surface.
Alternatively, you could clean the surface with soap and water instead of denatured alcohol. After cleaning, you may consider wiping down the board with a dry lint-free rag to dry it and get it ready for painting.
Step 2: Applying paint on Azek
Once you are ready to apply a fresh coat of paint on your Azek, use a high-quality natural-bristled brush to apply an even layer of 100 acrylic latex paint to the surface. You can also spray your paint (Here’s how to spray paint with a spray gun).
Azek doesn’t require priming; you need to apply the topcoats directly to the freshly cleaned cellular PVC trim. The important thing here is to obtain your acrylic latex paint from a quality manufacturer.
Azek material absorbs no moisture, so you can expect the paint to hold a lot longer without requiring a touch-up. However, this non-moisture absorbing property means the freshly painted boards may take slightly longer to cure—anywhere from two days to two or three weeks.
How Many Coats Paint on Azek?
When painting Azek trim, you need to apply a single coat of paint with no primer. The coat of acrylic latex paint provides the desired coverage without the need for additional layers.
The paint may take several days to dry on Azek, but the coverage is usually solid and clean when it finally cures, depending on how well you applied it. This way, painting the boards can be a quick, hassle-free process.
The only troubling question, maybe, is there a clear coat for latex paint if you wish to go miles? Absolutely! You can add sealer to your surface.
Resource: Valspar porch and floor paint reviews
Why Should You Paint Azek Products?
While Azek products are designed to provide protection without the need for paint, there are several advantages to painting them. Let’s explore the primary reasons for considering paint on your decking boards and moldings. Before we delve into that, do you know how to paint between deck boards?
Filling and hiding nail holes and joints for better aesthetics
Azek trim boards tend to sustain nail holes during installation. The contractor usually doesn’t care much about the holes. So it will typically be upon you to decide whether or not to hide them.
If you decide against leaving the nail holes exposed, you can use paint to hide them. Ideally, you won’t pour the paint directly into the holes. Instead, you must fill them with caulk, glue, or filler specified by Azek before painting. You also need to caulk in the joints after installation.
The azek nail hole filler and caulking material (best paintable exterior caulk for wood) will usually leave a visible mark on the boards, and that’s where the paint comes in handy.
Of course, there’s a modern fastening system a few qualified contractors are using that leaves no visible marks behind. However, few contractors use this system, so you might not benefit from it. Your best bet is to paint the trim after installation.
Achieving custom colors and sheen
Regardless of the fastening system your contractor uses, you may want the colors to match while painting the Trex decking or PVC trim boards to the rest of your home’s exterior color scheme. The only way to do this is by painting.
Azek PVC Trim with PaintPro Technology only comes in a flat, white color. If you want a different color option or sheen, you must paint the trim boards. (Here’s our guide on what type of paint to use on baseboards and trims).
Painting can enhance the product’s visual appeal and make it mesh better with your home’s overall décor. The brush strokes can also give the boards a more natural wood trim feel.
Making the boards more durable and washable
Untreated Azek easily traps dust and loose dirt. Painting introduces a better sheen that’s easier to clean and maintain. Dirt, stains, fingerprints, and more will wash off easily when the Azek trim boards have a paint coat on them.
An adequately painted finish also lasts for several years, protecting the board and increasing its service life. Even though Azek PVC Trim with PaintPro Technology doesn’t primarily require coating for protection, UV rays, molds, and mildew can affect the material’s structural integrity.
The paints go a long way in preventing mold formation and keeping the material safe from the damaging effects of sunlight. As a result, the trim or deck can remain sound for more years than their unpainted cousins.
Preventing molds and mildew
Azek is typically porous around the edges. Therefore, it can trap moisture and dirt, which are Petri dishes for mold and mildew.
Painting the edges helps seal the pores and keep moisture out. As a result, there will be nothing to sustain mold growth. The boards can therefore remain free from discoloration as the painted surface doesn’t harbor molds and mildew.
What is the Best Way to Clean Azek Deck?
The most effective way to clean Azek deck or patio is using an all-purpose cleaner or all-surface deck cleaners such as Zep 505, Chomp Gutter cleaner, or Krud Kutter with a stiff natural fiber brush. Avoid any abrasive cleaners when cleaning Azek boards, as these can dull the surface.
Should You Prime Azek Before Painting?
Azek decking or trim with PaintPro Technology doesn’t require priming before applying paint. All you need to do is wipe down the surface with denatured alcohol or soapy water to clean and prepare it for painting. Once it’s dry, you can paint it directly with 100 acrylic latex paints for the desired results.
Does AZEK trim come in colors?
Yes, with white being the most common. However, not all AZEK trim colors are suitable for exterior applications. As a general rule of thumb, light-colored trims should never be used on the exterior. This is because they can quickly become dirty and have to be constantly cleaned which takes away from their aesthetic look and durability over time.
The exception would be if the trim was placed under a porch or canopy out of direct sunlight. In this case, it may still get dirty but at least it would have some protection from being hit by the sun’s rays.
The following Azek trim color chart will help you select a color that is appropriate for an exterior application. Beware that the Azek trim colors are very difficult to distinguish on just your computer screen.
For good representations of the colors please visit a showroom where you will be able to see them in person.
Can you sand azek
No, Azek is a vinyl polymer composite, and as such is not sandable. It’s made to be as waterproof as possible. Sanding would require stripping the surface which would compromise that material’s integrity, and would also leave dust residue on the wetted interior surfaces of the boards.
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FAQs
Will Azek deck get molds on it?
Yes. Azek decking boards are relatively porous and can mold as long as there’s moisture in the environment. Mold formation only requires dirt and moisture, which are both common on the edges of unpainted Azek.
Can you paint PVC trim boards?
Yes, you can paint PVC boards with any exterior 100 percent acrylic paint. The material won’t lose its ability to hold paint or suffer paint failure. However, ensure you clean it with a mild detergent and dry it before painting.
What’s the best paint for AZEK?
The best paint for Azek is 100-percent acrylic latex paint with colors having an LRV of 55 or higher.
Does pvc trim need to be primed?
No, PVC trim doesn’t require a primer before painting. But you can apply the primer if you want the paint manufacturer’s warranty. Otherwise, proper surface cleaning is usually sufficient for achieving excellent adhesion of paint without priming.
How often do you paint Azek?
Once painted, Azek trim and siding will perfectly mimic the look of painted natural wood without the chipping or cracking problem for up to 3 to 5 years. Therefore, you should consider repainting the bards every 3 to 5 years.
Is Azek a PVC?
Yes. Azek decking boards are made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, the same material used in standard vinyl siding. It may look like fiber cement siding, but the material is known for its low maintenance, excellent strength, and durability. It also won’t rot or warp due to moisture because it doesn’t contain any wood or wood by-products.
What kind of paint can I use to cover the roof hatch with wood curb? Paint is fine for most applications — but not a roof hatch that would be exposed to the weather 24/7. Paint won’t hold up and you’d be repainting it way more than you will like. You might want to look for a prefabricated one. While it might seem more expensive than building one from scratch, it will save you in the long run.
Can Azek be Painted
If you are looking for a durable trim, siding, or decking material, you may want to consider Azek. But, can you paint Azek products? If this is a question you have asked, we hope this article provided you with the answer you needed.