MPI Update

Master Every Substrate: A Look Inside the New APS Course

Not all surfaces are created equal, and neither are the coatings that protect them. From concrete and masonry to drywall, wood, metal, and specialty substrates, each material presents unique challenges. You need substrate-specific knowledge to effectively meet today’s asset protection challenges. MPI completely reimagined the Architectural Painting Specification (APS) Course to give you the practical skills and technical depth you need for quality outcomes on every project.

What's New in the Revised APS Course?

The updated course has been rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on interactivity and real-world application. Here's what you can expect:

• Enhanced video content walks you through substrate properties, preparation techniques, and common defects. These visual demonstrations make complex problems clear and actionable.
• Interactive knowledge checks in each module help you remember critical information before moving forward.
• Extended course access gives you six months to complete the course and take the exam, and you get full access to course materials for a year. This flexibility gives you time to learn at your own pace while balancing work demands.

Why Does Substrate Knowledge Matter?

Every substrate interacts differently with coatings. For example, concrete is porous and wood is sensitive to moisture. You need to understand the substrate and how it reacts to different coatings before you know how to effectively protect it.

The updated APS Course breaks down these complexities with dedicated modules for each major substrate type, including concrete, masonry, drywall, wood, metal, and specialty surfaces like fiberglass and plastics.

Each module covers:

• Applicable standards (ASTM, MPI, and manufacturer specifications) so you know exactly what's required for compliance
• Substrate attributes including porosity, density, alkalinity, and common defects that impact coating performance
• Preparation methods tailored to each material, from efflorescence removal on masonry to solvent cleaning for metal
• Recommended coating systems with primers, fillers, and finish coats matched to substrate characteristics
• Application and quality control procedures adjusted for environmental conditions and substrate-specific needs
• Troubleshooting and defects guidance to help you identify root causes and implement corrective actions before small issues become expensive failures

Go From Foundational Knowledge to Expert Application

The course builds on the foundation established in The Essentials of Paint and Painting Technology, taking you deeper into the practical challenges of real-world specification and application. By the end of the program, you'll be able to identify substrate-specific properties and defects, select appropriate coating systems for diverse conditions, apply industry-standard preparation techniques, analyze common coating failures, propose solutions, and implement quality control procedures tailored to each material.

Better Learning for Better Results

MPI's new learning platform gives you a more interactive, engaging experience. The newly enhanced format helps you absorb information more effectively, retain critical details longer, and apply what you've learned with confidence on the job.

It was designed for all job types: specification writers ensuring compliance on complex projects, applicators looking to expand your technical knowledge, or inspectors validating substrate preparation and coating selection. The revised APS Course gives you substrate-specific expertise that takes your work from good to great.

Are you ready to master every substrate? Enroll in the Architectural Painting Specification Course and take your coatings knowledge to the next level.

Professional Tip

Before specifying a coating system, verify the relevant ASTM and MPI standards for your substrate. Standards like ASTM C90 for concrete masonry or ASTM C216 for clay or shale facing bricks provide critical guidelines for substrate material properties. Checking these standards from the start ensures coating system compatibility and reduces the risk of coating failure down the line.