PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an incredibly useful building material that is commonly used to construct PVC pipes. These pipes are commonly utilized in plumbing and sewage systems.
To ensure that PVC is properly installed in the fitting, it is recommended that you smooth out the cut edges. Otherwise, using glue to attach pipes may be a harder task.
Not only this, but failing to smooth the edges will expose open cells and cause harm to the pipe, resulting in mildew and algae growth.
This also occurs as a result of temperature changes that impact the open cells.
Not to mention, these edges can create a seamless look that will highlight a plumber’s craftsmanship.
So if you want to find out the best way to smooth out the edges of PVC, you’ve come to the right place! It’s a super simple method that is best achieved through sandpaper.
Smoothing The Edges Of PVC
Instructions
- Chop the PVC to whatever length is required with whichever cutting tool you prefer, such as a hacksaw. When you cutting PVC pipe, this will likely give you a rough edge.
- Prepare your work area by gathering whatever equipment you intend to use. The main choice you must make is whether you are going to use a machine sander or sanding pads.
Machine sanders are advised if you want to save yourself time and effort, though one of these devices is much more expensive than standard sandpaper. - To keep your PVC in place, you may wish to clamp it. A PVC pipe may roll when you attempt to make the edges smoother, which will make it challenging to achieve the desired results.
You may also wish to cover the area in a sheet so that you can easily remove any dirt that you’ve generated, namely dust. - If you are using sandpaper, rub the paper against the edge of the PVC, covering the entire surface evenly. Sanding works by removing material from a surface, thus making it smooth.
It is worth doing this a little bit at a time. Under hot temperatures, PVC can warp. - Meanwhile, if you are utilizing a sanding machine, ensure that you are using the correct grit. Turn the sanding machine on and gently glide it across the PVC surface with medium pressure.
It is advised that you don safety equipment, such as goggles, when using a sanding machine as dust particles will likely be thrown in every different. This can cause eye irritation. - Using a dry cloth, clean the PVC pipe. This way, you will remove the excess material, allowing you to determine whether it is sufficiently smooth.
If the edges remain harsh, try sanding them again until you are completely satisfied. Repeat these steps until you are happy with the results.
Equipment
The good news about this method is that it won’t require loads of niche plumbing equipment.
Instead, you will only need a few pieces of kit, most of which can be obtained in hardware stores or online. All you need is:
- PVC:
You will need some PVC that requires polished edges, such as PVC trim or a PVC pipe. - Sander:
If you are a professional, you may want to invest in a sanding machine to save time. These machines can be a little expensive, so they may not be worth it for everyone. However, sandpaper or sanding pads will also suffice. Fine grit sandpaper is perhaps the best option. - A dry cloth:
This simple item will merely be used to clean the PVC, enabling you to check that you have achieved a perfectly smooth edge.
How Do You Clean The Inside Of A PVC Pipe?
When you sand the edges of a PVC pipe, some of the debris may become stuck inside the pipe.
If you need to clean or perfect the inside of a PVC pipe, there are a few different solutions that you can utilize.
Though it may be harder to clean the inside of a PVC pipe than the exterior, you can give the pipe a thorough wash by:
- Run the inside of the pipe under a water tap to get rid of anything that may be trapped inside.
- Coat a bottle brush with powder cleaner. This thin brush is ideal for getting into the narrow inside of a PVC pipe. Be sure not to use a harsh cleaner as this can scratch the walls of the pipe.
- Place the brush inside of the pipe and scrub it against the interior surfaces. Insert the brush on the opposite end and scrub it thoroughly.
Run some water through it to ensure that no cleaning product remains. - Before you can use the pipe, wait for it to dry completely. This may take a few hours, so it is best to leave the object in a warm place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay To Sand PVC?
Yes, sanding standard PVC will be fine. However, we do not recommend sanding furniture grade PVC.
This is because furniture grade PVC has a shiny appearance that sets it apart from traditional PVC, meaning that it can be used to make garden furniture.
It is also free from the writing that is regularly found on usual PVC. If you sand this form of PVC, it will lose this appealing aesthetic and instead become rather dull.
Can You Paint PVC?
If you wish to change the appearance of PVC, you can paint this material.
Just make sure that you use a type of paint that has been specifically designed for use on PVC and other forms of plastic, like vinyl.
Ideally, the surface of the PVC will have been sanded before paint is applied. You may also need to apply multiple coats of paint to ensure that the color coverage is consistent.
Closing Remarks
Ensuring that the edges of PVC have been polished to perfection is extremely easy.
With just some sandpaper, friction, and a little bit of elbow grease, the edges of PVC pipes and other objects made from this durable material can become as flat as necessary. This way, these pipes can better hold moisture. Learn more about properly beveling PVC pipe for a professional finish.
This way, these pipes can better hold moisture.
For specific challenges like cutting PVC pipes in challenging situations, our other article offers detailed guidance.