Pros and cons of finishing before assembly

[Kim C]

As far back as I can remember building things (since I was old enough to hold a hammer) I have always assembled whatever project I was working on then finished it. Whether a table or a loft bed, it just seemed the thing to do. Of course some projects (such as the loft bed complete with stairs and slide!) were a no brainer... too big to paint before assembly.

Recently I invested in some pricey, "top-of-the-line" brushes for staining and finishing. Don't ask me the specifics. I had a pro pick them out for me. I don't know brush details. Since the Kreg Jig brought my work to a new level I decided not to skimp on the finishing!

So, with the new brushes ready in the drawer of my new Kreg-built shop cabinet, I prepared several projects for staining and finishing at one time. In my mind this would create less clean-up and reduce wear and tear on the brushes. In addition to this new approach I decided to "mix it up" even further. I dry-fitted the projects, then disassembled them (which was easy with pocket hole joinery by the way) for finishing. I had read that some woodworkers prefer to finish projects this way.

Weeelllll, a whole 9 hours of staining later I am questioning this method. I did take a lunch break but most of it was spent staining. Keep in mind that this time was spent on a vanity, two side units, and a table with three drawers. I am all about efficiency. In fact most of my energy is spent thinking of ways for everything to be more efficient. So this method seemed to fit into that obsession. But now I am facing 2-3 more of these grueling days applying polyurethane and sanding... oooohhhh the sanding.

In addition to this, my shop is jam packed of pieces of wood everywhere. My husband took a look at it all and kindly tried to tell me it looked good. I will try to get a picture inserted here at some point.

So far I have learned the following things...

1. If I am going to continue this method I will need some really good drying racks. Preferably portable in some way and maybe with small nails for the wood to rest on so as not to leave marks.
2. Do this on a day you can open up every window and door possible. I don't think they make a ventilation system that will vent wood conditioner, mineral spirits, and a can of anything minwax. (Or at least not one I can afford)
3. To dry fit, I don't need to screw in every single one of the pocket screws. Just enough to judge a good fit.
4. Don't let anyone see this process or they will think you have lost your mind.
5. Post a blog about this on the Kreg Jig Owner's Community BEFORE attempting something as drastically different as this to the regular routine.

So, that leads me to my question...

What method do you prefer? Finishing assembled or pre-assembled? And any tips or tricks to share about finishing pre-assembled would be faaannnntastic!

[Steve McCullough]

Kim, since I'm limited to carport space, I've had to learn to adapt, adjust, and overcome. Its more or less, whatever I can get to work at the time.

[Kim C]

Thanks for your input. I broke down and assembled my vanity after staining and before putting poly on it. I think it was more of a space issue for me at this point. Until I get some sort of drying rack up out of the way I can't handle all the pieces laying around. Assembled it took up much less room. Plus I guess I am an impatient person and wanted to see how it looked.

[Jeffrey Pike]

Hi kim some times I like to pre stain and poly my project part first like the part that are hard to get too, like under neath a shelve or parts of the project that U don't really see but needs to be sealed. Also I Like to stain and poly panel on raised panel doors before putting them together. The other thing that I like doing is pre finish insides of cabinet then I can concentrate on the finish on the out side of the cabinet. The other thing is if pre staining part of the project make the job easer then do it, if not then don't, use your judgement don't worry it only wood.

[Jens Jensen]

For small drying projects I have used chair mats with the gripper teeth on bottom.Just turn matte upside down and place your project on it and stain it then flip project over and do the other side.