Use BOND&FILL® products to install PVC Trim in 4 easy steps:
- The Perfect PVC Trim Joint - Unlike wood, the thickness of PVC boards may vary quite extensively. When the ends of two boards meet, this mismatch may cause an unsightly joint. To eliminate this, you should always use Claw Gripping Biscuits by BOND&FILL® at each PVC Trim joint. The process is simple. Use a #20 biscuit cutter in any standard biscuit joiner. A single biscuit handles boards up to 5-1/2” wide. For larger boards, multiple biscuits should be used and equally spaced across the end of the board. This biscuit joint keeps the board faces aligned perfectly flush without shimming - saving you time and money.
- Permanent PVC Trim Fastening - Now that you have prepared for the perfect joint, the boards need to be fastened and permanently joined using BOND&FILL® Structural Adhesive. First, you must insure that that the installation surface is sound and that there are an adequate number of points for secure fastening, especially around the joint area. Backer boards should be added wherever necessary to provide the proper support. The highest quality installations begin with a bead of construction adhesive at each fastening point behind the trim board. Typically, the first of the two boards should be mounted into place on the building using galvanized or stainless steel nails or screws. Next, you should choose the BOND&FILL® Structural Adhesive cure rate that works best for your application – Fast Cure (Work Life: 5-8 Minutes) or Slow Cure (Work Life: 45-60 Minutes). Apply a generous amount of the adhesive in each of the slots that were cut for the biscuits in the previous operation. Next, a bead (1/8” minimum diameter) should be applied across the end of the first board. Insert the biscuit(s) into the slot and carefully slide the second board into place. The biscuit will align the faces and the sides should be aligned by moving the board laterally. Gently push the two ends together until a small amount of the adhesive begins to squeeze out of the joint. Do NOT squeeze all of the adhesive out of the joint. Next, fasten the second board in place. Once the adhesive partially cures, (putty like consistency) any excess can be pealed away using a putty knife. When fully cured, excess material should be sanded clean or removed with a sharp 5/8” chisel turned backward to prevent digging into the PVC surface. View our training video for an in depth illustration.
- Plan for Expansion/Contraction – ALL brands of PVC expand and contract at rates far greater than wood. You must allow for this expansion/contraction in your installation. PVC manufacturers suggest leaving gaps between 3/16” and 7/16” depending on weather and application conditions. Bond&Fill® Flex is the perfect sealer for this application. This industrial grade adhesive sealer will stretch up to an amazing 3 TIMES its original thickness. It will not freeze and withstands temperatures up to 250°F. It also works great sealing PVC to concrete, wood, brick, or metal. This is no ordinary caulking!
- Prep for Painting – Some people say PVC does not need to be painted. BOND&FILL® recommends that all PVC trim boards be painted for these simple reasons:
- Paint will protect the PVC surface by inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew.
- Permanent repairs can be made with ease using BOND&FILL® products then painted leaving a flawless surface.
- Most PVC products are offered in White only. Unfortunately all whites are not created equal and rarely match one another. Paint offers a consistent finish and the option to add the beauty of color to the home.
BOND&FILL® for Painters is a great product to use for filling small gaps in the PVC prior to painting - just as you would with standard caulking for wood. Bond&Fill® for Painters is specially formulated to adhere to PVC and will accommodate increased levels of expansion and contraction. BOND&FILL® for Painters skins over in a quick 15 minutes leaving a perfect surface to accept paint with no risk of dragging messy sealant out of the gaps and onto the PVC.
BOND&FILL® Cleaner removes all of the dirt and oil residue that PVC boards pick-up during the construction process from handling and nail guns. In addition, BOND&FILL® Cleaner removes the static charge that is developed in the PVC manufacturing process – a MUST for proper paint adhesion. BOND&FILL® Cleaner is sold as a pre-mixed formula in a trigger spray bottle or in concentrate form that will produce up to 5 gallons.
BOND&FILL® is committed to developing the most complete line of products to assist with the proper installation of PVC Trim Boards. We offer only the best products that really work and save you time and money.
