Painting PVC pipe

[jblizzle]

I think I need to get around to painting the new PVC pipe on my equipment pad and for my solar install before the summer ... thinking that it protects the pipe from the solar UV.

But, I seem to recall some discussion that the paint does not actually protect the PVC from sun, so I am wondering if it needs to be done or not.

Questions to anyone:
Are the pipes painted just for looks or does the paint actually help protect the PVC from the sun?

Painting the solar PVC black should help with heating (a little) better to go flat or gloss for this? ... even though white would blend better with the roof.

Stick with the Krylon Fusion or just find the cheapest stuff I can (if indeed the paint does not really protect the PVC)?

 

[mas985]

As far as I know most paint is opaque to UV but it might degrade with UV so it should protect the pipes from UV as long as it does not significantly degrade.

Heat absorption is better with a black flat paint but so is emissivity which means higher heat loss at night. But the surface area of the pipes is so small compared to the pool that it probably will not add much heat.

 

[duraleigh]

I have used 5-6 year old PVC that was out in the sun with no paint.....it was fine. It looks a bit better painted, though.

 

[mas985]

Most studies have shown only a slight degradation in impact strength with UV but unfortunately most of these studies have been fairly short too (~2 years).

Also, these companies recommend painting if the pipe is exposed for more than two years:

http://www.usplastic.com/knowledgebase/ ... entkey=774

http://www.lascofittings.com/supportcen ... Piping.asp

http://www.pvcfittingsdirect.com/_e/pag ... tings_.htm

While it may not be completely necessary, why take the chance?

 

[jblizzle]

True, why take the chance. I will likely try to get most of this taken care of this weekend. Time to get the solar fired back up!

Posted from my Droid with Tapatalk ... sorry if my response is short

 

[GoGrabTheNet]

I know this is an old thread, but it is good information. My efforts here are to preserve the information since 2 out of the 3 links provided are non-existent at the present day.

Based on the one website that still works, but who knows for how long, the recommended paint is light-colored acrylic or latex paint that is chemically compatible with PVC/CPVC. Check manufacturer of paint if unsure of compatibility. Do not use oil-based paint products.

 

[JayBauman]

When my house was built 2 years ago, I had them builder stub-in utilities (hot/cold, sewer, electric, gas) for a future outdoor kitchen on my back patio. A few days before closing, I failed city inspection because the exposed PVC for my water & sewer lines was not painted "to protect them from UV degradation". So based on my city building inspector, it sounds like a good idea.

But wait...there's more: Nine months later, the same building inspector didn't say peep about all of the exposed plumbing PVC when he gave final approval on my pool....even after I asked him why there is a difference. His reply: "I don't make the rules, I only enforce 'em. The paint doesn't make a difference to PVC anyway." So based on my city building inspector, it sounds like a waste of effort.

You're welcome, in advance, for my extremely helpful response to your question, Jason!

 

[pooldv]

That is a helpful response. Here is some more help.

My wife said to paint the PVC to make it pretty. The PVC is painted.

 

[JayBauman]

That is a helpful response. Here is some more help.

My wife said to paint the PVC to make it pretty. The PVC is painted.

+1 Your wife and my wife come from the same ilk.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

My wife said to paint the PVC to make it pretty. The PVC is painted.

Smart man.

Yip

 

[banditig]

I wounder if you ever have to make repairs, if the PVC cleaner/primer will remove spray paint like Krylon.

 

[atttech-2]

not sure if PVC primer will remove paint but I know sand paper will

 

[cowboycasey]

Jason, I used the "dip your car" type plasti dip/spray and it has a 3 to 10 year UV stable rating.. Mine is going on year 2 and still looks the same

http://www.plastidip.com/docs/F-819%20820%20698%20TB%205%20OEM.pdf

I used 2 cans of black and 2 cans of anthracite gray, 1 light coat followed by 3 heavy coats.. Just the black looks very good also.. 1 thing to know, you can see where it rubbed off just above the pump on the union, all of my unions that I have used have done this..

DipYourCar.com
DipYourCar.com

 

[gwegan]

Sacramento County California requires pvc be painted to get final sign off.

http://thomasinspections.com/files/Pool_SpaRequirementsSacCounty.pdf

Its on page 11.

 

[jblizzle]

Well 3 years later I still have not painted anything.

The only thing that has some discoloration is the short pieces of flex I used.

 

[JohnT]

You can stain the pipe and get some really cool effects that will be pretty well permanent.

Stain PVC Pipe Any Color You Like | Make: This one gives you solid colors using the same method as PVC primer uses.

Example image: http://1abxf1rh6g01lhm2riyrt55k.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/make-images/24ifmj3dN2T2mg2U.jpg

Or you can make it look like wood: HOW TO STAIN PVC PIPE SO IT LOOKS LIKE WOOD

 

[jeffr47]

Jason, I used the "dip your car" type plasti dip/spray and it has a 3 to 10 year UV stable rating.. Mine is going on year 2 and still looks the same

http://www.plastidip.com/docs/F-819 820 698 TB 5 OEM.pdf

I used 2 cans of black and 2 cans of anthracite gray, 1 light coat followed by 3 heavy coats.. Just the black looks very good also.. 1 thing to know, you can see where it rubbed off just above the pump on the union, all of my unions that I have used have done this..

DipYourCar.com
DipYourCar.com

Did you paint before assembly ? It's beautiful!