General: When fast-drying primers are desired, oil/alkyd types are recommended.

Preprimed panels: MDO panels are available factory primed. These panels have a high quality thermoset acrylic primer designed specifically for MDO plywood.

· More Info on Preprimed Panels
· More Info on Prefinished Panels

1. Recommended overcoating: The primer manufacturer recommends using a high quality exterior industrial enamel system.
Water Based Enamel System: All-Acrylic semi-gloss or gloss enamel system.
Solvent Based Alkyd System: Industrial semi-gloss or gloss enamel system.

2. When overcoating: Always follow overcoat manufacturer recommendations. Always use good painting practices, i.e. proper ambient temperature, panels clean and free from dirt, and allow for adequate drying time for overcoat before further processing. Because of the high quality dense prime coat, and because top coat systems and materials vary, it is recommended that a tape pull test be performed before application of lettering or blocking tape.(Some paints may dry more slowly than others due to Olympic Panel's solid pre-primed overlay surfaces.)

3. The use of interior grade paint is not recommended. It is also recommended to avoid water base vinyl-acrylic, solvent based alkyd flat or alkyd solid color stains.

Prime Coat: When using Olympic Panel panels which do not have the mill-applied prime coat, the following guide lines should be observed.
1. The prime coat is the most important coat. Do not apply too thin a prime coat. For good performance, a primer should yield about 1 mil dry film thickness.
2. Since the spreading rate of primer to provide a 1 mil dry coat is probably unknown, follow the spreading rate range recommended by the manufacturer, using the higher rather than lower range.

Top Coat:
1. Once Olympic Panel panels have been properly primed, they may be topcoated with a variety of finishes, including solvent-thinned and water-thinned paints and enamels.
2. Both primer and topcoat should be obtained from the same manufacturer for finish compatibility. Follow the manufacturer's application instructions for best results.
3. Some finishes should not be applied directly to overlaid plywood. These include automotive primers and enamels, lacquer undercoats and topcoats. Latex primers work well on MDO, but are not recommended for HDO.

Edge Coating:
1. The edge of overlaid plywood is the most vulnerable portion when used in signs or other related applications. The edge absorbs water which can lead to finish deterioration, so it requires the most effective protection.
2. Two coats of edge sealer must be applied for adequate protection against moisture penetration.