Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 28, 2006 05:58pm | #1

   If you are using an oil based stain, stain after or, mask off the areas where glue will be used.

   Water based dye stains can be used before gluing.

   Howie.........
2. 
   jazzdogg | Jun 28, 2006 06:09pm | #2

   "should i stain all the parts before or after assembly?"

   Yes, you should!

   Seriously, though: if you decide to stain before assembly, make sure you do it after you've completed a dry assembly during which you have tested the fit of all components and marked all parts that will be glued - you don't want to slop stain on your tenons, for example.

   You say that you've already sanded: if you wipe down all surfaces with paint thinner it'll give you a sneak preview of what the surfaces would look like with a clear finish - and highlight mistakes that will become annoyingly conspicuous after you begin the finishing process; use a raking light and examine every square inch for shiny spots, cross-grain scratches, etc.

   If you decide to pre-finish, think about how you may have to modify your approaches to the clamping process and the removal of glue squeeze-out. If you're project is mission style, you're probably using oak; how will you remove iron/tanin stains left by clamps if the piece has been pre-stained?

   In short, review both of the assembly and finishing check lists in their entirety before proceeding down either path.

   Good luck,

    

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   user-170430 | Jun 29, 2006 03:34pm | #3

   hay thanks for the tip of using paint thinner, i would not have know this trick. i don't know if i will use oilbase or water base yet but being my first project i will de verry careful in what i do. it is verry hard not to rush the project. i have allrready dry clamped the project together and all seems well so i think i will use the paint thinner to make suure that tall my sanding is good before i stain.

    

   thanks for the tip and info.

1. 
   jazzdogg | Jun 29, 2006 05:41pm | #4

   If you'll have any frame & panel assemblies, be sure to pre-finish the panels before assembly. If you stain & finish your panels after assembly, it's likely that, as the panels expand & contract in response to changes in temperature and humidity, you'll see an unfinished margin around the edges of the panels.

   If you decide to use water-borne products, you'll want to intentionally pre-raise the grain before applying finishes by moistening the surface of the wood with water and letting it dry completely. When dry, the surface of the wood will feel rough to the touch because of raised wood fibers. Shear off these raised fibers with 220-grit abrasive, first diagonally, then with the grain, before finishing.

   Good luck,

    -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie