How to disguise PVC pipes that vent?

[dr.girlfriend]

This is the side of our house, but since we're on a corner lot it is visible from the street.  The PVC pipes on the right side have been there since we installed a sump pump a few years ago, but tall lilies grow in front of there so they haven't bothered me too much.  We recently got a new furnace and instead of venting through the chimney it vents through the PVC pipes on the left.  They are much bigger and higher up than the sump pump ones, and have me wanting to really disguise or improve them.  Apparently you're not supposed to plant within 3 feet of the heater exhaust pipes.

This past summer I planted that rhododendron in front of the chimney, and although they're hard to see because they are just brown sticks at this time of year there are hydrangeas on each side.  I think they'll grow, but probably not enough to hide the pipes, and I guess I have to keep things accessible to the electric meters as well.

I can try to do more with plantings, but in the meantime I was thinking of taking a crack at painting the PVC pipes.  I could try to go with kind of a brick red to see if I could get them to blend in, or I could look for some kind of metallic copper or black to just make them look like metal pipes.  It looks like Krylon Fusion would be my best bet, but it comes in very limited colors.  Anyone have any advice or ideas?  Googling has turned up remarkably few.

[auroraloo]

I would go with a metal look.

[auntie]

I have a friend who has her A/C compressor in a similar setting- on the side or a corner lot. She's on a city lot, so she has more side yard than front.

She installed a length of low fencing as a screen and then planted some small shrubs in front and a small tree to the side. It really adds to the curb appeal from that side. She has 3 panels like this, they're about 4' tall, on a slight angle.

www.homedepot.com/p/Weatherables-Ellington-3-ft-H-x-6-ft-W-Tan-Vinyl-Picket-Fence-Panel-PTPI-3SC-3x6/301327617

[momin2013]

I don't think it would hurt to try painting them the same colour as the brick, but I think what I'd do is plant some tall grasses along that side if possible to fill the space in/disguise them. We have a similar sort of piping down one side of our house and when we get around to landscaping that side that's what I plan to add.

[hockeywife]

Jan 22, 2018 6:15:24 GMT -5 auntie said:

I have a friend who has her A/C compressor in a similar setting- on the side or a corner lot. She's on a city lot, so she has more side yard than front.

She installed a length of low fencing as a screen and then planted some small shrubs in front and a small tree to the side. It really adds to the curb appeal from that side. She has 3 panels like this, they're about 4' tall, on a slight angle.

www.homedepot.com/p/Weatherables-Ellington-3-ft-H-x-6-ft-W-Tan-Vinyl-Picket-Fence-Panel-PTPI-3SC-3x6/301327617

I like this idea, but I would probably also try to paint them. I think either a metal look or a brick color would be fine.

[mrspez07]

Unfortunately PVC is not easy to paint, as with many plastics, the paint tends to kind of “slide around”. Any red will fade to pink or not cover well and look pink quickly. There may be some paints that do better on PVC than others, I’m just not familiar with them.

[thatgirl2478]

Jan 22, 2018 23:00:57 GMT -5 mrspez07 said:

Unfortunately PVC is not easy to paint, as with many plastics, the paint tends to kind of “slide around”. Any red will fade to pink or not cover well and look pink quickly. There may be some paints that do better on PVC than others, I’m just not familiar with them.

there are some plastic spray paints that would work well. Finding one that matches the brick would be hard, I'd go black if you're going to paint them. 

Since you can't plant with in 3', you probably also shouldn't put anything solid infront of them either... And you have the other plants there, so that does make it harder to fit something else in there.  If you had NOTHING there I would suggest going with an evergreen type of shrub or a tall grass, something that is full year round.  

[dr.girlfriend]

Jan 22, 2018 23:00:57 GMT -5 mrspez07 said:

Unfortunately PVC is not easy to paint, as with many plastics, the paint tends to kind of “slide around”. Any red will fade to pink or not cover well and look pink quickly. There may be some paints that do better on PVC than others, I’m just not familiar with them.

I found these instructions from Bob Vila.  It mentions using acetone to help paint adhere.  I guess Krylon Fusion is supposed to be good too.  I ordered a silver metallic can of that to try when the weather warms up.


How To's & Quick Tips >How To: Paint PVC Pipe
How To: Paint PVC Pipe


Tough and durable yet easy to cut, polyvinyl chloride piping (PVC)—originally developed for plumbing—is ideal for use in a variety of do-it-yourself projects, from wall-mounted organizers and funky herb planters to wine racks and even lighting fixtures. While the piping comes in a spectrum of brights these days, you’ll still want to learn how to paint PVC if you’ve got a more sophisticated palette in mind. Except there’s one hitch: Due to a molecular makeup that prevents most liquids from bonding to its surface, paint on PVC has always been likely to flake, bubble, or rub right off. Fortunately, recently developed spray paints that chemically bond with all kinds of plastics make it possible for determined DIYers to paint PVC pipe. Just keep in mind that while some plastic-rated paints purport to be no preparation required, we advise that you follow the prep steps here for the best possible results.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
– PVC pipe
– 220grit sandpaper (several sheets)
– Acetone (not nail polish remover)
– Rubber gloves (not latex, as acetone degrades latex)
– Clean rags
– Drop cloths, old newspaper, or plastic sheeting for painting
– Plasticrated spray paint, such as consumer favorite Krylon Fusion

STEP 1
Plan to paint PVC on a low-humidity day, ideally between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a well-ventilated yet wind-free area to work in, such as a garage with doors and windows open for airflow. Note that acetone is extremely flammable, so it should be used and stored away from heat sources. Do not smoke while working with acetone, and wash up well after use.

STEP 2
Lightly scour the PVC pipe’s exterior by hand with 220-grit sandpaper. Skip the electric sander, which can wear down the pipe too much, too fast. Sand in all directions to avoid straight-line striations that can create an undesirable grooved surface. Be gentle, so you won’t weaken the pipe, yet thorough to avoid an uneven surface. Have plenty of sandpaper on hand, because the waxes in PVC pipe will come off on the paper, causing it to lose roughness.

STEP 3
Don rubber gloves, dampen a clean rag with acetone, and then wipe the surface of the PVC pipe. Allow to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. The acetone will remove all sanding dust while swelling the surface of the PVC to make it more porous for painting.

STEP 4
Lay drop cloths, plastic sheeting, or old newspapers over the floors or walls that could be subject to splatter or overspray, then arrange pipe for spraying. If painting long pieces, protect a wall, ladder, or chair from spray and prop the pipes against it. Or consider standing long pieces on a sturdy dowel for support so you can access all sides at once. Short pieces of PVC may be able to stand without additional support, making it simpler to get an all-over coat of paint.

STEP 5
Shake your plastic-rated spray paint thoroughly for 15 to 20 seconds. In a side-to-side sweeping motion, spray-paint the pipe, starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom. Paint PVC in thin, consistent layers, overlapping the paint as you move down the pipe, to avoid any drips.

STEP 6
Allow paint to dry per manufacturer’s instructions 20 to 30 minutes, before applying a second coat. If you had to lay the piping down to paint, wait until the first side is dry and then turn it over to access the other side. Avoid overlapping spray on areas you’ve already painted to achieve a nice, even coat. As in all spray-painting jobs, you’ll need to apply several coats in thin layers until the “true color” is reached.

STEP 7
Allow paint to air-dry and cure for at least 24 hours before using it in your project. For projects that could scrape or nick the pipe’s new coat of paint in the process, consider waiting a full week. If you’re uncertain, check the paint can for specific manufacturer-recommended drying times. Once your project is complete, keep painted pipes clean by wiping gently with a water-dampened rag.

[tres3]

I wouldn't bother with painting them.. all houses have weird things sticking out of them. I'd just do some more plantings if they really bother you

[Susie]

Is there an appropriately sized species of holly that grows in your zone, that you could plant in front of it? Hydrangeas are just bare sticks in winter, so they won't offer much coverage. Something greener and taller would look nice there, though.

[simpsongal]

dr.girlfriend, I painted our shutters ~6 years ago w/spray paint made for plastic. They've held up very well. They were quite weathered, so that might have helped the paint adhere, so roughing up the surface w/a little sand paper or the acetone trick might be worth a try too. I encourage you to try the spray paint though.

[definitelyO]

I would paint them as well - and I love Bob Vila

[sparty04]

We have pvc due to a radon mitigation system and painted it the same color as our siding (although it was done before it was put up...)

[mrs.jacinthe]

Krylon Fusion for sure. I'd use their Satin Espresso color, based on your brick color.