MDO – Medium Density Overlay, Signboard
MDO (Medium Density Overlay) signboard is an exterior-grade plywood engineered for durable outdoor signage. It features a high-quality fiber surface saturated with phenolic resin solids that creates a smooth, low-grain face ideal for painting, graphics, and laminates. The plywood beneath the fiber face is clear and free of patches, yielding a uniform finish with minimal grain show-through.
MDO signboard offers a durable, weather-resistant and water-proof exterior-grade surface that ensures long-lasting outdoor performance. Its smooth, low-grain fiber face readily accepts exterior-grade primer and paint for enhanced protection and finish quality, while also serving well indoors in moisture-prone areas or as a stable substrate for countertops and laminates. Easily sawn, nailed, routed, shaped, and drilled, MDO provides flexible fabrication for a wide range of uses including advertising and directional signs, public notices, exterior signage, and sub-boards under laminates. Available with the fiber surface on one or both sides, it is commonly stocked in 1/2″ and 3/4″ thicknesses to suit different project requirements.
Available in Good 1 side for single sided signs or Good 2 sides for signage on both sides of board. Full 4×8 sheets are available in stock at our location. All full and partial 2’x4′ sheets are available through our online store. Click the TotalWoodStore link to see our selection available through our online store.
Prices may vary in store and through our online store.
Additional Information
MDO (Medium Density Overlay) signboard features:
- Smooth Surface: The MDO panel has a smooth, sanded finish that is ideal for painting and graphics, providing a professional appearance.
- Weather Resistance: It is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to rain, sunlight, and wind, due to its high-quality overlay coating.
- Durability: The signboard is resistant to moisture, insects, and other environmental factors, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Rigid and Strong Structure: MDO signboards are sturdy and maintain their shape even under harsh weather conditions.
- Waterproof Overlay: The overlay layer, typically made of phenolic resin-impregnated paper, provides waterproofing and adds to its durability.
- Consistent Thickness: Available in 1/2″ and 3/4″ thickness, providing consistent strength and appearance.
- Edge Finish: Usually has clean, straight edges, which facilitate easy mounting and finishing.
These exterior features make MDO signboards suitable for outdoor signage applications, combining aesthetic appeal with resilience.
To finish MDO boards for signage:
- Sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots and remove imperfections, then clean the surface thoroughly. Sanding the paper surface of an MDO board can potentially damage or roughen the overlay if not done carefully. To avoid harming the surface, use very fine-grit sandpaper (such as 180-220 grit) and gently sand in a light, even manner. It’s important to sand just enough to smooth the surface and remove any imperfections without excessive pressure. Always keep the surface clean by wiping away dust afterward. Gentle, controlled sanding preserves the integrity of the overlay while preparing it for finishing.
- Apply a suitable outdoor primer evenly across the board and allow it to dry completely.
- Once dried, lightly sand the primed surface with very fine sandpaper (such as 180-220 grit) to ensure smoothness and remove any dust.
- Next, apply your chosen paint or graphics, using multiple coats if necessary, and let each coat dry thoroughly.
- Once the paint or graphics are in place, protect the surface by applying a clear outdoor sealant or topcoat, such as polyurethane or varnish, to shield it from weather and UV damage.
- Finally, inspect the finished surface for any imperfections, perform touch-ups if needed, and allow the sealant to fully cure before installation.
