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How to Mold PVC

Janine Logue

There are a variety of reasons to bend or mold PVC pipe. Craft projects, green houses and lawn ornaments can all be made using molded PVC. Molding PVC to form a curve or a bend can save money by eliminating the need for one or more fittings.

Use heat to bend PVC for seamless curves.

While the process of molding PVC is not difficult, there are some tricks to help ensure that the results are worth the effort.

  1. Cap one end of the pipe and tightly pack it with sand. Cap the other end.

  2. Put on leather gloves for protection and use a heat gun or other high heat source to heat the PVC until it is soft. Keep the PVC at least an inch and a half from the heat source so it doesn't burn.

  3. Slowly bend the PVC into shape. The sand will ensure that the pipe stays round and doesn't kink or flatten.

  4. Hold the PVC in shape until it cools. Dip it into cold water to speed the cooling time.

  5. Tip

    To create the same bend over and over, make a jig.

    Warning

    Never leave flames or heat sources unattended. Work in a ventilated area.