
Quantum Paint: Creating Solutions for Any Surface
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Here at Quantum, we're not just about selling paint; we're about providing solutions. While traditional paint manufacturers offer a one-size-fits-all approach, we understand that every project is unique, and some surfaces require a specialized touch. Our mission is to work with you to develop a complete system, from preparation to final coating, that ensures professional, long-lasting results on surfaces where other paints simply fail.
Recently, our neighbors at Artistic Cabinetry and Woodwork approached us with a unique challenge. Their customer wanted to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor bar table, but they needed to embed tickets into a thermal-set MDO board without damaging them. This project wasn't just about finding the right color—it was about creating a layered system that ensured adhesion and durability where traditional paints would fail.
Laying the Foundation: MDO Prep & Paint
Perfect preparation prevents poor performance. For this MDO substrate, we provided a detailed prep and paint process to ensure a durable and smooth foundation. Because MDO is a thermal-set substrate, most epoxies will have problems with adhesion. We overcame this by using our Quantum99, in a custom hootie gray color, as a tie-in coat. This unique polyurethane coating adheres to both the epoxy and the MDO board, ensuring a strong bond and the proper finish. The steps we used to achieve this were as follows:
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Prep:
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Clean the substrate with a cleaning solvent, like our SR-002 surface prep cleaner, and allow it to dry.
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Sand with 220 grit sandpaper.
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Blow off with clean, dry air.
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Wipe with a cleaning solvent in one direction and allow it to dry.
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Paint:
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Mix 2 parts Q99 Hootie Gray with 1 part 99-ABR-2001.
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Allow the mixture to induct for 10 minutes.
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Add 1 part SR-95 Reducer and mix well.
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Apply a medium coat with a foam roller, using a final pass with light pressure in one direction to remove roller lines. .
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Allow it to cure for 8 hours. If grain raise is present, sand smooth with 220 grit and apply an additional coat.
The Protective Shield: Deep Pour & UV Coating
To give the table a deep glass look and keep the tickets protected, we instructed the customer to use a deep pour epoxy. Since the bar is going to be outside, to prevent the yellowing of the epoxy our specialized UV protective coating was put on top.
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Deep Pour Application:
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Create a leak-free barrier around the edges.
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Mix the deep pour epoxy, like MAS Deep Pour Epoxy, 3:1 per the directions and pour it over the surface to the desired depth.
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Use a heat gun to remove any bubbles, checking periodically for any that may reappear. The pour should be tack-free in 4–8 hours, with a full cure in 24–36 hours.
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UV Protective Coating:
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Once the deep pour is fully cured, sand with 320–400 grit.
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Mix 2 parts 99-BA1-Clear with 1 part 99-ABR-2001.
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Add 1 part SR-95 and mix well.
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Apply a medium coat with a foam roller, using light pressure on the final pass.
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Apply a second medium coat after 1–2 hours. (Note: if you wait more than 8 hours, sand lightly to remove the gloss before applying the second coat.)
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For a show-quality finish, wet-sand any imperfections with 2000 grit paper after 8 hours and polish with Polarshine 45 using a wool pad around 1800 RPMs.
This outdoor bar table is just one example of how Quantum goes beyond the can. The final product was a testament to our custom systems—a durable, beautiful, and long-lasting piece that exceeded the customer’s expectations.
We don't just sell products; we collaborate with you to solve your unique challenges. Whether you're working on a piece of furniture, an art installation, or an industrial surface, our team will help you develop a custom system to achieve a professional and lasting result. Contact us today to discuss your next project, and let's build a solution together.