When you are looking for an affordable and attractive sign material, medium-density overlay wood (MDO) should be at the top of your list. But what exactly is MDO wood, and how is it made?
What is Medium-Density Overlay Wood?
MDO wood is made when a layer of resin-infused paper is glued to both sides of a plywood substrate. This process creates a stronger and more dimensionally stable material than regular plywood. MDO wood is also less likely to delaminate, or peel apart than standard plywood.
MDO wood is also smoother and more consistent in texture than regular plywood, making it an ideal surface for painting and applying vinyl graphics. MDO signs are often mistaken for aluminum or another solid sheet material.
There are two main types of MDO wood:
- Standard MDO is best suited for indoor applications and short-term outdoor use. This type of MDO has a smooth surface which is easy to paint on and to apply vinyl graphics.
- Weather-resistant MDO (WRMDO) is designed for long-term outdoor use and will withstand exposure to the elements better than standard MDO. WRMDO has a rougher surface texture which helps paint and vinyl graphics adhere better.
Which is Better, MDF or MDO?
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a similar product to MDO wood. Both materials are made by bonding wood fibers with resin and pressing them into sheets.
However, MDF does not have a plywood substrate. This makes MDF more susceptible to warping and moisture damage than MDO wood.
MDF is also not as strong as MDO wood and is not typically used for outdoor applications. For these reasons, MDO wood is generally considered a better sign material than MDF.
What Types of Signs are Made with MDO Wood?
- Construction site signs
- Event signs
- Painted signs
- Building signs
Benefits of Medium-Density Overlay Wood
- Attractive appearance: MDO wood has a smooth, consistent surface perfect for paint and vinyl graphics. This makes MDO wood signs look more professional and high-end than signs made from other materials like plywood and MDF.
- Less warping and moisture damage: MDO wood is less susceptible to warping and moisture damage than regular plywood. This makes MDO wood an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor signs.
- Strong and durable: The pressing and curing process of making MDO wood makes it a stronger and more dimensionally stable material than regular plywood. MDO wood signs will withstand exposure to the elements better than signs made from other materials like MDF.
- Cost-effectiveness: MDO wood is a cost-effective alternative to solid sheet materials like aluminum.
- Thickness options: MDO wood is available in various thicknesses.
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