You do NOT have to prime it first. You also (against conventional wisdom) do NOT have to “scuff it up” with sandpaper beforehand in order to get the paint to “adhere” properly.

You DO, however, have to use a 100% acrylic latex, which really is nothing special. Most exteriors paints are 100% already. Sherwin Williams seems to be the most knowledgeable paint supplier when it comes to pvc furniture board, and they are the only brand we recommend. So make sure to buy from them if there is one in your area.

If you are painting your trim a dark color, be especially sure to consult with Sherwin about it as they have engineered UV reflective paints for colors that reach a certain shade of darkness. This paint “reflects” the UV rays that otherwise would be soaked up by the dark color and cause the PVC to heat up, warp and distort.

Here is a solid article put out by PVC manufacturer Versatex about painting PVC.

Here is an example of an arched PVC bracket that we are making to spec for a Parade of Homes house here in Grand Rapids:

As you may be able to see, we are using laminted (layers) of PVC that will be smoothed out to look like one solid molded piece by the time it gets to our customer. (Yes, that is automotive bondo we are using to do the finish work.) After the sanding is complete it will head to our paint booth where it will receive a coat of 100% acrylic latex paint!

We are one of the PVC foam sheet manufacture, welcome to your come and purchase!