Primed MDO - Edge to Edge Graphics

[DigiPrinter]

All, I have a project to do that has (20) 4' x 8' MDO panels that get a full, edge to edge digital print. I ordered primed MDO from my supplier (I couldn't get the enamel finish in the thickness I need) and would like to get your opinion on whether the boards will need to be painted? I plan to wrap the edges as well. These panels will need to be up for about a year or slightly longer. I don't necessarily want to paint these but if product failure is likely to happen I will. Thanks in advance.

 

[Gino]

Some people will say they got away with not painting pre-primed MDO, but it is not the rule. You should give at least one, if not two coats of oil-based paint to the surfaces along with painted and sealed edges if you intend to wrap the edges, also. Odds are against you making 20 at once... that some will not peel or let go in less than a year. Hope you priced it that way.

 

[Mike Paul]

Does it have to be MDO?

ACM wont work? What's the application?

 

[DigiPrinter]

Does it have to be MDO?

ACM wont work? What's the application?

I ordered up ACM because I couldn't get the MDO with the enamel finish in the thickness I needed. I told my client this and they weren't too pleased that the material was changing (cause they have to approve everything with their client). So, rather than rock the boat I ordered the primed MDO so they don't have to go get something else approved. These are for a new residential development and will be attached to sidewalk barricades, some overhead and some ground level. There's existing plywood and 2x4's so I'll screw the MDO panels on.

 

[Mike Paul]

If the client refuses the ACM,
Paint the primed MDO w/ high gloss Enamel and charge accordingly.

 

[DigiPrinter]

Thanks for the replies Gino and Mike. I figured I'd have to paint these up. I've got the costs covered so I'm not worried about that.....I just don't like to paint

 

[player]

Some companies will apply decals to raw mdo for highway signs.

If the decal adheres to the paper it would as good as paint for protecting the sheet.

 

[Donny7833]

I stock a few sheets of 2 sided UV coated MDO, but I've had to use primed in a pinch.

I sealed the edges and brushed about a 1" perimeter with spar urethane. Applied the graphics, trimmed the print and put 2 coats of acrylic enamel around the outside edge, overlapping onto the graphic maybe an 1/8".

My thought was that if the edges don't lift it should be ok. This particular sign is 2 sided. Had it been one sided, I probably would have rolled the back side with urethane. It's been up going on 2 years and still looks good. I would have preferred to use UV coated, but sometimes you gotta due what you gotta due.