What is the best way to fill screw holes in PVC trim?

[RonMiller]

I replaced rotted exterior door trim with PVC. In a few days I need to go back and fill in the the finish screw holes. Of course I could white silicone them but can/should I use Bondo or something else instead? Can I sand the PVC planks if I use a high enough grit and am careful? Almost all my work is interior but this is outside, so checking the best way to finish this off before it's painted.

Hoping Brice Burrell and others will hop in here.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Ron, I use Bondo.  If you're careful applying the Bondo you'll minimize the amount of sanding.  120 grit works for me, I don't think there is any need to sand beyond that.

 

[tiralie]

I use white epoxy putty. It doesn't shrink and I don't usually have to sand it...I have used the Azek two part adhesive but they don't sell it anymore.
Tim

 

[roblg3]

a point of caution when sanding pvc.  if you sand agressively with something less than 80 the pvc can ball up leave alot of scrtch marks. being plastic it can melt so start slowly .

 

[VW mick]

I no it doesn't help you now .but when I did mine I got some .PVC coated nails/tacks

They sort of got a small disk of the same material on the head

Might be worth looking into .if you do it again

 

[peter halle]

You mentioned using silicone.  If you use caulking of any kind, check the label to make sure it can be painted.

Peter

 

[Sparktrician]

I use PVC plugs that come with the screws. 

 

[Brice Burrell]

I use PVC plugs that come with the screws. 

I've used these screws, I liked the idea but not really the product.  My problems are the screws are way too long at 2 3/4" and they are a ceramic coated screw, not stainless.  I don't use them anymore.

 

[Brice Burrell]

a point of caution when sanding pvc.  if you sand agressively with something less than 80 the pvc can ball up leave alot of scrtch marks. being plastic it can melt so start slowly .

I've sanded all the big name brands of pvc trim and sheets aggressively- sure you'll have to sand out the scratches but I've never had it melt.  What brand have you had melting with?   

 

[Sparktrician]

I use PVC plugs that come with the screws. 

I've used these screws, I liked the idea but not really the product.  My problems are the screws are way too long at 2 3/4" and they are a ceramic coated screw, not stainless.  I don't use them anymore.

Starborn Industries offers both coated and stainless screws. 

 

[roblg3]

veranda and azek both.  when sanding the grits get smashed together and make little plastic balls that have melted together.  if i slow my sander, i don't have the issue all that often.

 

[RonMiller]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Since I've got Bondo here for other work, I'll try that first with sanding. If I have some troubles, I'll report back.

 

[curt boyer]

To remove scratches and small dents from PVC use a heat gun. It pops right out with the heat. If you sand with 320 grit it will remove the scratches and make the surface look factory. They make a putty stick similar to one you would use for hardwoods to fill nail holes. I'll take a picture of it tomorrow it's in my truck. Never use caulk to fill nail holes interior or exterior. We've had good luck using lite weight exterior putty for nail holes much easier to work with than Bondo. We use Cortex screws and plugs when the job allows.

 

[jmarkflesher]

Late post but I used Azek on my new porch. Used fairly large headed ss screws on 1x8's 16 foot long for the rakes. Used two part Azek adhesive then had to sand flat. The sun at a certian time of day showed every screw. Ended up priming and painting. Some say you don't paint the Azek and some say you do. No more plastic for me. Boral comes in 1X4,6,8 and 10". Also several molding profiles. I sit on my porch in the summer and hear ping, pop and crack as the Azek expands. Boral expands very little. Thanks, MARK

 

[curt boyer]

Ron, here's what we use for nail holes.

 

[RonMiller]

Thanks for the continuing help. I used Bondo and it worked fairly well but of course the operative word there is "work". It's always that. I'll try these other things when another opportunity arises. Thanks again, all.

 

[roblg3]

there is a 2 part epoxy that is available with a special caulk gun.  i think it's AZEK but can't remeber for sure.  If you want, I'll hit my supply house monday and get the exact particulars

 

[curt boyer]

Trimwelder and Bondnfil make two part epoxy for laminating PVC as well as filling holes. You need a special caulk gun for them. The two parts mix in the replaceable tip. You need to have extra tips as you will go through them fast especially if it's hot. They have two kinds,a slow set and quick set. It's expensive and doesn't sand very well. Even when you over fill the hole it shrinks when setting and is tough to make the holes disappear. Azek makes a normal caulk gun epoxy that Home Depot sells, I haven't tried it yet.
Curt

 

[roblg3]

come to think of it...it IS trimwelder i was speaking of.  Thanks for the heads up Curt.  I think i'll just keeping using bondo instead of it.