How to Stain PVC Trim on Cabinets
Artificial wood produced from polyvinyl chloride isn’t porous like wood, therefore penetrating stains can not sink in, but that doesn’t mean you can not stain it. If your closet trim is too light for the cabinet, it is likely to darken it using stain as a glaze. It’s even possible to provide the trim a whitewashed or pickled look using a white or grayish paint or stain. Preparation is minimal, and no sanding is needed.
Fill Nail Holes and Joints
Prior to apply a glaze to PVC trim, then it is important to fill the nail holes and holes involving trim pieces, or so the stain will collect around them and make noticeable spots or lines. Since PVC trim is more flexible than wood, average wood filler will likely fall out, so it is better to work with epoxy putty. Mix just enough putty using hardener to fill the holes and then dab it in the holes with your finger, being careful to wipe off the surplus while it’s still delicate. When it dries, use 220-grit — or finer — sandpaper to smooth around the stains and eliminated hardened adhesive.
Glazing With Gel Stain
Unlike fluid stain, which drips and runs on a non-porous material like PVC, gel stain stays where it is and supplies even surface coverage. The best method to apply it on trim and avoid having it on the surrounding cabinet would be to sweep it on as if it were paint. It doesn’t matter how much time it remains on the trim since it doesn’t soak in. It’s important to wipe it away before it dries, though, which can be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes after implementing it, depending on the humidity and temperature. Wipe with the grain, with a clean, absorbent rag.
Whitewashing and Pickling
It is possible to create a whitewash or pickling effect using latex paint or primer, and it is also possible to do it using a white or grayish stain. When using paint or primer, rub a light coat and rub it away quickly before it has a opportunity to become tacky. When you wipe, you’ll force the sediment to the artificial grain, therefore highlighting it; it is unlikely a lot of the pigment will remain on the extruded part of the texture. Utilize a stain if you would like the extrusions to also take on a light tinge; paint on a really light coat and let it dry without undermining it; then repeat if needed.
Protect With a Transparent Finish
Any stain you use on PVC trim remains on the surface, and it’ll quickly wear off unless you cover it with a protective finish. Water- or solvent-based polyurethane, brushable lacquer and spray oil lacquer are all appropriate finishes, and one coat is generally all you want. Brush marks are always a chance when using brushable goods; to minimize their effect, always brush toward the wet edge of the material you have just applied. If you apply more than 1 coat, then sand the previous coat lightly with 320-grit sandpaper after it’s dry to the touch.