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Also, curtain rods.

I don't see that listed but I used 3 PVC pipes and two 45-degree PVC couplings for about 5 years as a curtain rod above a bay window in my breakfast nook.

I painted them black and glued a finial on each end to disguise it. Nobody ever noticed, which is quite disappointing.

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Does the paint handle some friction?

Ok, that part wasn't too great actually. I guess you could put some clear finish over the paint to help protect it.

Why paint it at all? If it's a curtain rod that uses moving rings the friction is almost entirely at the top. Just apply some painter's tape at the top when painting it.

If you do want to paint it spray paint gives great results, but make sure to use plastic primer. To make it even sturdier apply a clear coat spray paint over the colored spray paint you use (so 3 layers: primer, paint, clear coat).

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