Question 1

How should I handle the product?

Accepted Answer

Handling the product will be the same as working with any other moulding.  However, unlike wood, our material has no grain so long pieces will be more flexible and shall be carried in best handling methods to reduce the bowing. When working as one individual, it is recommended to support long length such as chair rail and crown using support clips or other means.

Question 2

How should I store the product?

Accepted Answer

The product shall be stored indoors if possible and away from vulnerable areas that can damage the product. Outdoor storage is ok as long as the product is covered from UV Sunrays and sits flat and supported. Our product can withstand water/moisture and is moldproof however external organic matters may promote mold however our product is inert against mold growth on its own.

Question 3

What temperature range can I work with this product?

Accepted Answer

The recommended room temperature to cut/nail and install the mouldings is between 45° to 95° Fahrenheit. Before installing our product, make sure the moulding and adhesives are placed at room temperature 24 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to the temperature of the room.

Question 4

What lengths do your trim & mouldings come in?

Accepted Answer

Our interior trim & mouldings are available in 16' lengths. Please contact a sales representative for further finishes and/or custom orders. Call us at: 1-877-326-7659

Question 5

Can you use interior mouldings outside?

Accepted Answer

It is not recommended to use interior products outdoors.  This is because outdoor products have extra properties or additives to help against harsh environments such as the suns UV rays, extreme weather conditions and animal excrement that can break down the product.

Question 6

What colors are available?

Accepted Answer

Our interior trim & mouldings are available in ultra pure white, satin finish. We also sell 3 woodgrain finishes; colors, light oak, dark oak and mahogany. Please contact a sales representative for further finishes or custom orders. Call us at: 1-877-326-7659

Question 7

Your molding looks glossy and not sure paint will adhere to it?

Accepted Answer

Our moulding and trim is manufactured to provide a pre-finished surface so painting is not required.  Our proprietary shell layer on all aesthetic surfaces are paintable without the need to sand. Although proper preparation is recommended. Ensure the product is clean, dry, free of dirt, grease and/or other surface contaminates before priming and painting. For best results it is suggested to follow paint manufacturers instructions. Typically, paint mfg’s mention to scuff sand, clean, prime then paint for best application.

Question 8

How do you remove scuff marks, debris or adhesive residue from the moulding?

Accepted Answer

Our moulding can be cleaned with many of the typical household cleaners. We suggest using either a damp magic eraser, soap and water, Isopropyl Alcohol, mineral spirits or some other grease cutting household cleaners to eliminate scuff marks or other dirt, dust or other debris. For sticky residue we recommend trying goo gone, Isopropyl Alcohol or mineral spirits. Scrub and/or wipe with a soft, clean rag until removed.

Question 9

How do you paint your moulding?

Accepted Answer

Preparation is required to make sure the product is clean, dry, free of dirt, grease and/or other surface contaminates before priming and painting. For best results it is suggested to follow paint manufacturers instructions. Typically, paint mfg’s mention to scuff sand, clean, prime then paint for best application.

Question 10

What type of primer is recommended? Paint seems to scratch off.

Accepted Answer

Paint and Primer can be soft for weeks before curing properly. Preparation is required to make sure the product is clean, dry, free of dirt, grease and/or other surface contaminates before priming and painting. For best results it is suggested to follow paint manufacturers instructions. Typically, paint mfg’s mention to scuff sand, clean, prime then paint for best application.

Question 11

Can you use enamel spray paint?

Accepted Answer

You can use enamel paints to spray however we suggest you first apply a water based or acrylic primer first. Depending on the solvents used to spray the enamel, it may affect or cause adverse reaction to the polystyrene moulding.  It is suggested to first test on a  sample piece to verify adhesion and ensure a successful painting process.

Question 12

How should I cut the trim and mouldings?

Accepted Answer

Our interior trim & mouldings cuts with traditional wood cutting tools. We recommend to cut with a carbide tip blade with 80 teeth or more. It is important to make the cuts with a quick chop motion or cross cut quickly thru the material with a compound miter saw.

Question 13

How is this applied? Can it be nailed?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to use 18ga x 2” long brad nail and pneumatic nailer or similar size finishing nail, hammer and nail set. May need to set pressure on scrap piece to set nail depth. May also use construction adhesive.

Question 14

What type of routing or milling bits should I use?

Accepted Answer

Use standard woodworking carbide-tipped router bits. Secure trim to a bench or table when routing to minimize “chatter”. Once the routing is complete, the cut can be smoothed using 200 grit sandpaper if necessary. Since our product is cellular, routing will create the exposed cellular EPS.It is recommended to use a 50/50 mix of paint and joint compound mixed well and applied to the cellular surface by brush or roller.

Question 15

What do you recommend for rip cutting the moulding?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that a No-Melt fine tooth blade 80 teeth or better with M-TCG, -2 ° Neg Hook Angle will provide the best results (please visit www.amanatool.com).  You can find this specific saw blade on Amazon here. Make sure the product is secure while ripping.  For further inquiries please contact 1-877-326-7659.

Question 16

Can you install the mouldings around the shower or bathtub?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our mouldings are waterproof and do not promote the growth of mold or mildew.

Question 17

What should I use to fill screw or nail holes?

Accepted Answer

All commercially available nail hole filler products will work with our interior trim & mouldings.

Question 18

How do I repair damaged mouldings including dents, gouges or deep scratches?

Accepted Answer

If the moulding cannot be cutout or replaced, first start by knocking down any high areas with a 200 grit sand paper.  Then use a plastic wood filler and apply and contour as required. Finish by sanding smooth and use touchup paint. If moulding and trim were not painted beforehand, it is suggested to use touchup paint closely matching the moulding. It is recommended to replace our woodgrain moulding if damaged as the complexity to repair is beyond the scope of this document.

Question 19

Will your pre-finished moulding yellow if not painted?

Accepted Answer

The pre-finished moulding will not yellow unless in direct contact with UV lighting conditions. If you see that the product is yellowing, it is recommended to paint the moulding.  When moulding is purchased new, our product color best matches up to  Pure White however you may need to color match at a local hardware store for best match.

Question 20

What is EPS or Expanded Polystyrene?

Accepted Answer

Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer that has thermoplastic properties. It is derived from the petroleum-based monomer known as styrene. The end result is a lightweight, but sturdy, closed-cell foam making it ideal for architectural moulding. Due to its resistance against moisture, mildew and rot, it is also good for applications where water vapors may be present.

Question 21

Is polystyrene foam the same as Styrofoam?

Accepted Answer

Contrary to popular belief, Styrofoam™ and Polystyrene are not necessarily the same, despite being made using the same monomer, styrene. Styrofoam™, which is bluish in color, is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS), while Polystyrene (EPS), which is white in color, is made from expanded polystyrene. The true main difference between these two materials is the process by which they are created.

Question 22

Is polystyrene foam toxic?

Accepted Answer

Polystyrene foam has been carefully studied for decades to determine safety. Like many products, in massive amounts, polystyrene can carry a certain level of toxicity when burnt. Styrene, however, is found in small amounts throughout nature; it can even be found in the foods that we eat. Polystyrene is not toxic when used appropriately. In fact, polystyrene is often used in food packaging. The FDA has deemed it a safe material for this purpose, which speaks to its safety.

Question 23

Will polystyrene provide an insulation value?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to the closed-cell nature and the higher R-Value, polystyrene makes for a great insulator. Polystyrene R value is around R-3.8 per inch so typical moulding is not going to provide much of an insulation but will be higher value than MDF or Pine will provide.

Question 24

Is polystyrene a fire hazard?

Accepted Answer

Polystyrene is typically not considered a fire hazard. In general, polystyrene does not pose the threat of being more combustible than other materials when exposed to flame or extreme heat.

Frequently asked questions