Density: High Density means polyurethane foam which has expanded within a (usually rubber but sometimes metal) mold. It has no place to expand to, in the closed mold, and thus the expansion in a confined area creates the higher density. Overall density is very similar to that of white pine. Different manufacturers run different densities.

Surface Properties: All our manufacturers supply their products with a factory primer applied. The surface of these products is very smooth, somewhat glossy and ready for finish topcoat.

Moisture Resistance: Polyurethane has a closed cell structure and simply does not absorb or transmit water or water vapor and resists the growth of mildew and fungus.

Finishing: All products come from the factory with a primer finish. Use a good quality latex or oil base paint as a top coat. Cleaning and light scuffing of the primer coat before finishing is recommended.

Machining and Joints: Works with all conventional woodworking equipment. Usual equipment is an electric mitre box and air nailers. A quality installation is dependent upon using polyurethane adhesive at all joints and bedding surfaces. Continuous runs are butt-jointed and glued, all inside and outside corners are mitred and glued. Fasteners are required only to secure the parts while the adhesive cures. Fill nail or screw holes and surface imperfections with vinyl spackle or Bondo type plastic filler. Spot prime and top coat with quality paint. Contact us for details for installing your particular moldings.

Benefits: Relatively low installed cost per foot when compared to multiple part build-ups in wood. Think of all the blocking, parts and caulking required for a 9 piece built up molding like the Focal Point 16340.
How will your project look in a year? Or two? Properly installed, the joints in High Density Polyurethane moldings are invisible, and they remain that way virtually forever. They have none of the movement associated with wood moldings. Caulking joints at ceilings and walls will not be seasonally.
These moldings are lightweight and relatively easy to install. If used for exterior projects they have the added benefit of much longer time between required painting (closed cell polyurethane foam does not transmit water or water vapor, thus the paint to molding bond remains unaffected by moisture migration, the main cause of wood-paint failure.) Other benefits are the availability of profiles that, due either to their size or complexity, are simply not available in wood. Many of these profiles would only be available in plaster at a much greater cost and complexity. It’s NOT wood, it’s BETTER!

Negatives: If your project requires hardwood trims with a natural finish, we can’t help you!