MDO (Medium-density overlay) plywood is an all-purpose, specialty plywood that can be used for a large variety of projects and applications. It is built for exterior use but can also be used anywhere regular plywood is used.

Is MDO plywood exterior grade?

MDO is an exterior grade plywood with a weather-resistant layer of resin-infused fiber that seals it from the elements. The overlay is 28 percent resin and resists water. MDO is made only with 100 percent waterproof glue. The back and face veneer are typically B grade veneers, with interior veneers of C grade wood.

What is the difference between MDO and MDF board?

A: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is manufactured from fine wood fibers and resin bonded together, Greg, and compressed into sheets to give it a smooth, flat surface. Medium-density overlay board (MDO) has a similar, smooth surface about 1⁄ 16 ” thick on each face, bonded to a plywood core.

How strong is MDO?

They have a tensile strength of 90 lbs for a standard 4 x 8 sheet. Bottom Line: The MDO is much stronger than the MDF and is very apt for heavy materials.

Does MDO need to be sealed?

When using a MDO plywood outdoors that is unprimed, it should be appropriately edge sealed and primed on both sides with a high quality wood primer that is compatible with latex (waterborne) paints.

Is MDO A plywood?

Medium density overlay panel or MDO panel, is a paintable surface made of plywood with a weather-resistant resin overlay bonded to the wood by heat and pressure. Developed for signs, Paint finishes on MDO are up to three times more durable than the same finish applied to ordinary plywood.

Is MDO weather-resistant?

MDO plywood is water-proof and weather-resistant. This plywood is often used for exterior signs. MDO plywood can be sawn, nailed, routed, shaped and drilled. Although this product is designed for exterior use, it works well inside the home in areas that need to be smooth and hold up well to moisture.

Is MDO heavier than plywood?

Plywood weights can vary considerably depending on the woods used. But in general a similar sheet of MDO is lighter than its marine equivalent. This makes MDO the preferred choice for weight sensitive projects.

Can you paint MDO plywood?

MDO, or medium density overlay, is an engineered plywood with a resin-treated fiber applied to both faces, giving it a smooth finish that is easy to paint. Because bare MDO is ill-suited for paint adhesion, apply a base coat of the appropriate type of primer.

How do you seal the edges of MDO plywood?

Using a standard caulking gun, apply the caulk to the edge of the board, making sure that the caulk completely fills any voids. After applying the sealant along the edges of the board, use a squeegee to smooth the caulking. “I cut a ½” notch in the squeegee to match the thickness of the board,” Anton says.

Is HDO plywood waterproof?

The top veneer layer on both sides is “A” grade, providing for an extremely smooth surface, without voids, to apply the fiber overlay. The resin-soaked fiber overlays are applied with heat and pressure, forming an extremely strong, extremely flat and extremely smooth engineered wood product that is waterproof.

What is MDO board made of?

MDO – Medium Density Overlay, Signboard. MDO, also known as Signboard, is an exterior-grade plywood with a high-quality fiber surface saturated with phenolic resin solids. The plywood below the fiber face is smooth, clear and free of patches, providing a smooth surface with minimal grain showing through.

What is MDO panel paint finish?

Developed for signs, Paint finishes on MDO are up to three times more durable than the same finish applied to ordinary plywood. Medium density overlay panel or MDO panel, is a paintable surface made of plywood with a weather-resistant resin overlay bonded to the wood by heat and pressure.

What is MDO plywood used for?

MDO plywood is water-proof and weather-resistant. This plywood is often used for exterior signs. MDO plywood can be sawn, nailed, routed, shaped and drilled. Although this product is designed for exterior use, it works well inside the home in areas that need to be smooth and hold up well to moisture.

Can you use MDO for exterior siding?

Many people like to use MDO in the exterior construction of their home for siding, fascia, or soffits. It can easily be embossed with wood grain patterns to make it appear more natural for your siding. Keep in mind that MDO is also extremely durable.