Pre-finishe or not to pre-finish before cutting and building

[smiley99er]

When building cabinets do you guys prime and paint and clear coat. Then rip to size and assemble the boxes?  Just thought I'd ask

 

[mastercabman]

Finishing parts first is the way to go
Also consider to buy prefinished plywood if you need a clear finish it makes life much easier

 

[semenza]

I generally cut the pieces and do various operations such as pocket holes, dominos and such and then finish before assembly. Even if not finishing before assembly I always sand the parts before assembly. It is much easier to sand and finish or  paint pieces that are flat on a bench with no corners to get in to. For  cabinet boxes I usually am using prefinished plywood. The variety of things I build does alter the order of cutting, assembly, finish work dependent on the piece.

Seth

 

[smiley99er]

I use prefinished 3/4" birch plywood when I can. I was just wondering if prefinishing was the way the to go. Will have to try it out on my next project

 

[roblg3]

I cut and assemble, once I know everything fits I spray everything as a flat "panel" and then do glue up. If necessary I'll tape off so I get wood to wood contact for yellow glue. You could use liquid epoxy otherwise.

 

[tjbnwi]

I do both, depends on the situation.

The piece below, I-machined, flat sprayed the interior, taped off before assembly, assembled, sprayed exterior.

Tom

 

[bkharman]

I just made a bunch of BB drawers and finished all of the insides first, assembled and then finished the outside of the boxes.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Stephen B]

I wish I had pre finished at least the inside. And taped the glue edges. Luckily this is not a significant project. It is one that I can learn from the error of my ways!  [smile]

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