1. How do I place an order? 
2. How "flexible" is flexible trim moulding? 
3. How do I stain it (and does it really look like wood)?
4. How do I paint it?
5. How do I fasten it?
6. How do I cut it?
7. Can I machine it?
8. Can I use it outside?
9. What is it made of?
10. How much does it cost?
11. Where can I get it?

How do I order it?

• Casing
• Base
• Flat Stock / Jamb Stock
• Crown / Cornice
• Plant On / Panel Mold / Stucco Mold
• Corner / Cove Mold

1. Ordering Casing:

True Radius Casing

Half circle, quarter circle, full circle and arch casing must be pre-curved in most cases (see "How flexible is it?"). Order true radius casing by specifying the radius, specie and the length of material required.

Elliptical / Oval Casing

Casing for elliptical and oval openings must be pre-curved to a template of the opening. Shop drawings may also be used, but often produce less than desirable results. Trace the opening on a large piece of paper (tyvec house wrap also works well), indicate any reveal and on which side of the line the molding will be applied. Specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.  Please call us at 1-608-698-6645 for a shipping address for the templates.

2. Ordering Base:

When installed, base is typically bent on the its back rather than it's edge and therefore requires no pre-curving unless the radius is extremely tight (less than 6"). To order specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.

3. Ordering Flat Sock / Jamb Stock:

As Jamb / Extension

Jamb stock usually requires no pre-curving unless the radius is very small (less than 6"). To order specify the molding pattern, specie and length required.

As Casing

Refer to "Ordering Casing"

As Base

Refer to "Ordering Base"

3. Ordering Crown / Cornice:

Crown molding is the trickiest molding to order because of the way Crown is applied. Almost all Crown applications require pre-curving at the factory (see "How flexible is it?"). The orientation of the Crown and whether the application is an inside or outside curve must be specified as well as the radius of the wall and/or ceiling. Compound radii and elliptical dormer applications may require a template. Be sure to indicate DORMER when ordering Crown for a dormer application. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.

4. Ordering Plant On / Panel Mold / Stucco Mold:

Plant On

Plant On patterns are typically small and therefore bend easily without any need for pre-curving. Large patterns however may require pre-curving at the factory if they are to be bent on edge. See "How flexible is it?" for more information regarding pre-curving requirements.

If the pattern does require pre-curving, you will need to specify which side of the pattern faces which side of the curve. Compound radius curves may require a template. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.

Panel Mold

Ordering Panel Mold is similar to Plant On patterns. Orders for Panel Mold that require pre-curving must indicate which side of the curve the rabbet faces.

Stucco Mold

Ordering Stucco Mold is similar to Plant On patterns. Orders for Stucco Mold that requires pre-curving must indicate which side of the curve the stucco key faces.

6. Ordering Corner / Cove Mold:

Corner Mold

Corner Mold patterns are typically small and bend easily without need for pre-curving. Larger patterns may require pre-curving at the factory (see "How flexible is it?"). When ordering pre-curved patterns, indicate in which direction the Corner Mold will need to be bent. Include the molding pattern, specie and length required when ordering.

Cove Mold

Ordering Cove Mold is similar to ordering Corner Mold. When ordering pre-curved material indicate which side of the curve the Cove will face.

How flexible is it?

 The flexibility of the molding pattern depends upon several factors. Pattern size, shape, material type and application all determine the flexibility limits of a given pattern. The smaller the molding the more flexible it will be. A ½" X ½" Cove mold will be very flexible and will accommodate most any curvature while a 2-½" X 2-½" Brick Mold will be very stiff and will usually require pre-forming at the factory.

Moldings that are thinner in one dimension than the other, like a ½" X 3-½" Base Molding, will bend easily in the direction of the lesser dimension. This is why Base Moldings usually require no pre-curving while the same size Casing, bent on edge, must be pre-curved to fit the opening.

Material type is also a factor. Flex Trim (and all similar flexible molding) may fracture if over stressed. ZzzzFLEX will not fracture regardless of the amount of stress placed on it.

Some applications consisting of a single large radius may be accommodated using a straight flexible length without pre-curving. Smaller curves, irregular shapes and compound radius applications will usually require pre-curving at the factory.

Because Crown and Cornice moldings are installed at an angle, they must bend on both the edge and back of the profile (which constitutes a compound radius). Because of the compound radius the profiles must be pre-curved. 

For information regarding a specific application call us at 1-608-698-6645

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How do I stain it?

Staining Flexible Moulding products is similar to staining wood. Most stains work well however, use of thicker heavily pigmented stains is recommended. Thinner stains may require multiple coats. Staining flexible moldings prior to installation is not recommended as the stain may crack when the molding is flexed.

1. Before Painting or staining be sure the material is clean and free of dirt and oils. Clean with paint thinner or soap and water if needed.
2. Mask off any adjacent non-stain areas.
3. Apply the stain with a brush covering the entire surface of the material, especially in any deep grooves or crevices that may exist.
4. Wipe off majority of excess stain with a soft, clean, dry rag.
5. Wipe off remaining excess stain with a brush.
6. Clear coat with lacquer, polyurethane or varnish using spray equipment. Applying clear coats with a brush may remove stain.

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How do I paint it?

Painting Flexible Moulding is easier than painting wood. Flexible Mouldings require no priming or sanding prior to painting. Painting flexible moldings prior to installation is not recommended as the paint may crack when the molding is flexed.

1. Before Painting or staining be sure the material is clean and free of dirt and oils. Clean with paint thinner or soap and water if needed.
2. Fill and sand all nail or screw holes.
3. Mask off any adjacent areas. Priming prior to painting will improve finish luster but is not required.
4. Apply the paint with a brush or spray equipment covering the entire surface of the material, especially in any deep grooves or crevices that may exist.
5. Add additional coats as desired.

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How do I fasten it?

Pre-determine placement and layout prior to fastening molding into place. Use of construction adhesive in addition to nails or screws is recommended due to the flexible nature of the material. Failure to adequately adhere flexible molding may result in sags between fastening points. All standard methods of fastening work well with flexible moldings.

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How do I cut it?

Flexible Mouldings may be cut using the same tools and equipment and in the same manner as wood. Before cutting to length, make sure the material is held firmly against the saw table or fence. Place a backing (such as a piece of wood) directly behind the cutting area. Always cut the material a little long and shave to exact length.

When ripping Flexible Mouldings on a table saw make sure the material will stay firmly against the fence during the cut and that it can be fed easily and continuously.

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Can I machine it?

It is possible to machine shape our flexible moldings. When machining flexible molding the material must be securely held to the fence, guide or holder especially at the beginning of the cut, when the material first enters the machine cutter. Always make several small incremental cuts rather than one large one.

Machining of stain grade material will remove the grain texture from the cut surface.

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Can I use it outside?

Our Flexible Mouldings are not affected by salt, moisture, heat or extreme cold. Many builders and homeowners have selected to replace even straight exterior moldings with Flex Trim and ZzzzFLEX because of their durability in the harshest environments.

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What is it made of?

Flex Trim®

Flex Trim is a unique polymer blend developed by Flex Trim Industries specifically for the manufacture of flexible moldings for the construction trade. It is unlike any other product in composition and should not be confused with other less expensive "knock offs". Our most recent improvements to Flex Trim make it stronger, more durable and greatly improve its stain ability.

ZzzzFLEX®

ZzzzFLEX is the state of the art in flexible molding technology. No other flexible molding is stronger, more durable or stains up better than ZzzzFLEX. ZzzzFLEX is an elastomer composite developed for the most demanding applications. Use ZzzzFLEX for small intricate patterns and tight curvatures or when only the best will do.

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How much does it cost?

When compared to straight wood molding, flexible molding is far more expensive. Flexible molding is not intended to be used in place of straight wood molding but rather in conjunction with wood molding. Flexible moldings should only be used in areas where the molding must be curved to fit.

When compared to custom curved millwork, flexible molding is much less. The real savings however are in labor. Flexible molding will expand and contract to fit every application perfectly. Flexible molding also costs less to ship and usually takes far less time to get than custom millwork.

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