Finishing question

[Dave Gray]

Do you prefer to varnish your pieces before or after assembly? I can see benefits to either approach. I am finishing up a book case and now that I have finished dabbling around it is time for glue up.

The benefit of finishing before assembly is that there are fewer chances of runs since the surfaces will be flat. And I can make sure everything is coated in a consistent fashion.

The benefits of finishing after assembly are that I don't have to worry about glue surfaces being inadvertently finished and I can slather everything on much more quickly. Hm, I think that answers that!

[Thorne]

Try both. Basic sealing and varnish base coats before, and sanded. Assemble and finish varnishing.

[Concordia...41]

I have never ever regretted varnishing something first; however, varnishing something after it is assembled gives you lots of time and opportunity to wish you'd varnished first... ;)

[Paul Girouard]

Do you prefer to varnish your pieces before or after assembly?

Seldom do I pre-finish. But it does depend on the specifics of the project / piece.

I can see benefits to either approach. I am finishing up a book case and now that I have finished dabbling around it is time for glue up.



On these pieces I chose to pre-finish the upper shelf unit then assemble it.

On the lower unit , the stand / table I knew the glue up would be intense and a few clamps would be used so I finished it after assembly.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Feb1220081.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Feb1220082.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Feb1120084.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Jan31200828.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b299/PEG688/Jan31200826.jpg

The finish , at least most finishes do act like glue and add some glue like sticking qualities to a project, they don't replace glue but they do add some limited strenght.

So it depends on the project.

If you had a lot of panels that float in frames those might be nice to pre-finish , BUT it's a PITA to stain a panel , then assemble and stain the frame without messing up the stain / finish on the inset panel.

[Dave Gray]

Thanks for the answers and observations. I will carefully contemplate my options and no doubt do the wrong thing, thus putting in ten times more effort than needed. :D