Abstract: Novel compositions are provided which comprise a polyphenylene ether, optionally a high impact polystyrene, optionally, an effective amount of an aromatic phosphate flame retardant, and a low molecular weight polymer selected from a polyolefin glycol or a polyamide, said comopsition being free from or excluding a substantial content of polyolefin, such as polyethylene. Such compositions when molded are readily paintable, and exhibit good adhesion between the paint and the molded compositions as distinguished from compositions containing polyolefins, such as polyethylene, which has been found to adversely affect paint adhesion. In addition, the novel compositions possess good or improved Izod and Gardner impact strengths, and in the case of polyolefin glycol, such as polyethylene glycol, the mutual solubility of all the components of the compositions is increased. Included within the disclosure of the invention are methods of preparing and molding such compositions and the molded products obtained therefrom.