How to Handle Polyurethane Molding

Polyurethane moulding has become a popular material in recent years. It has numerous architectural applications, and you can often see it showcased in homes with crown moulding, or other architectural flourishes. Polyurethane moulding is also used on the outsides of houses and buildings to enhance the look of building’s exterior. Polyurethane moulding on the outside of a home is usually found under the lip of the roof, and it adds a sense of elegance to the home.
Polyurethane mouldings have become so popular because they can take on the appearance of wood, but they have advantages over wood when the two materials are compared to one another. For example, polyurethane mouldings can be painted any color, they are lightweight, they are strong, they can be manufactured in virtually any design a person can imagine, and they will not rot or splinter. One could certainly paint wood any color, but the wood will eventually need touching up because of fading, water damage, or even splintering. For these reasons, polyurethane mouldings are generally able to withstand harsh temperature changes and weather conditions.
Polyurethane moulding is best handled a little differently than wood, though, as far as cutting the panels goes. If you are looking to cut the moulding yourself, make sure you use a traditional hand saw to do the task. Whereas with cutting wood you would probably opt for using a circular saw, it is preferable that you use a hand saw to cut your polyurethane moulding because the heat generated by a saw blade is significant. When the blade’s high-speed rotations are pressed up against the moulding, the friction created by that contact can potentially damage the integrity of the moulding because there is the probability that you could melt part of the moulding. This is one area where wood holds a distinct advantage of polyurethane.