Painting before assembly or after?

[Df1k1]

I’m just a hobbyist but I’ve built a fair number of cabinets and I usually play around with different techniques (For example rabbited back panel, dado back panel, domino no Domino, pocket screws, biscuits etc.).
It’s a fun way to build and keeps you in touch with different tools that maybe you have not used in a while (Clearly not acceptable for a professional where time is money).
However I’ve never really been comfortable with the finishing process. So my question is do you spray everything beforehand or wait till after assembly?
I’ve already started a simple cabinet for the garage and have decided to spray the primer and final coat inside and out after assembly. Then install shelf pins and Euro hinges.
My thought process is that I did not want to get spray inside the pin holes or the euro hinge cup hole (doors are a no brainer). Although drilling out the shelf pin holes and euro hinges are a little tougher this way. I don’t have an LR 32 (yet!) just using a simple rockler jig.
Also in glue up nothing ever seems to go seamless. There’s a lot of banging around etc. and I did not want the finish to get banged up although I guess I could always spray another coat. I’ve got a nice sprayer in the Fuji Q5.
Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[tjbnwi]

We drill then spray, never had an issue.

On our boxes that use pre-finished cases, face frames are assembled sprayed then installed on the boxes.

Tom

 

[CarrieCarpenterChick]

I've been doing a ton of cabinets, office builds etc for the past 4 years. We have found that spraying primer and one coat of finish before assembly and last coat after seems to have the best result for us. When we did all finishing before assembly we inevitably had to go over it after, spending time and money. Waiting until after assembly ends up taking more time, as there are inevitably issues because of close quarters to spray in etc. Really, I think it all depends on your work flow and what you are comfortable with.

 

[jeh]

I've been doing a ton of cabinets, office builds etc for the past 4 years. We have found that spraying primer and one coat of finish before assembly and last coat after seems to have the best result for us. When we did all finishing before assembly we inevitably had to go over it after, spending time and money. Waiting until after assembly ends up taking more time, as there are inevitably issues because of close quarters to spray in etc. Really, I think it all depends on your work flow and what you are comfortable with.

I do the same. I'll add that I prime both sides and scuff sand to take out any particles. Then I choose the best side and apply a top coat. I usually apply the primer with a roller as it is quick and allows for quick touchup after sanding.

 

[Df1k1]

Great info thanks much