Painting or Taping the Dome to
Separate the PVC from the Greenhouse Plastic
PVC pipe will slowly produce chlorine gas, which may destroy the UV light stabilizers
in polyethylene greenhouse film. This chlorine gas from PVC pipe will cause certain
types of 4 year greenhouse plastic to have holes and tears after the first year.
For this reason, your greenhouse plastic warranty may be voided if your greenhouse
plastic comes in direct contact with PVC. Contact the greenhouse plastic manufacturer
for details.
Greenhouse plastic can also be damaged by oil based paints, wood preservatives,
chlorine based disinfectants, and certain pesticides, especially those containing sulfur or
copper. This problem is not specific to our geodesic domes, but is evident in any type of
PVC greenhouse structure.
Solution: Acrylic Latex Paint
To extend the life of your greenhouse plastic, before you attach your greenhouse plastic,
use a white acrylic latex paint and paint any PVC struts and hubs that will come in direct
contact with your plastic.
Alternate Solution: Clear Packing Tape
Another technique is to cover the hubs and struts with a non-PVC tape, such as clear
packing tape. Applying tape over the hubs helps to smooth any rough edges that might
rub against the plastic sheet.
Page 19 of 35
Zip Tie Domes 1857 Brindley Hollow Road, Buffalo Valley, TN 38548 USA
