What are the challenges of maintaining seamless joints in PVC sculptures?

Maintaining seamless joints in PVC sculptures presents several unique challenges. First, PVC's thermal expansion and contraction can cause joints to separate over time, especially in outdoor installations exposed to temperature fluctuations. Second, finding adhesives that bond effectively with PVC while remaining flexible enough to accommodate movement is difficult—many common glues become brittle and fail. Third, surface preparation is critical; any contamination or improper cleaning can weaken the bond. Additionally, the smooth surface of PVC makes mechanical adhesion challenging without proper texturing or priming. Finally, environmental factors like UV exposure and moisture can degrade both the PVC material and adhesive over time, requiring specialized maintenance approaches. Artists often combat these issues by using PVC-specific solvent cements, designing joints with overlapping seams, and applying protective coatings to prolong joint integrity.