Replies

1. 
   sawdustmaker | Mar 30, 2004 12:20am | #1

   You may get several different answers, but when I construct raised panel cabinet doors I generally stain the stiles, rails, and panels prior to assembly. Same with the poly, but I wipe on thin coats of a poly / thinner mix. Those out there who brush or spray may have a different process. Either way, use spacers in the grooves the panels sit in. I use little rubber "spaceballs" (brand name). Two or three along each edge is plenty.

1. 
   MarkL | Apr 01, 2004 03:25pm | #5

   Thanks for the advise.

2. 
   DouglasABaker | Mar 30, 2004 12:21am | #2

   Finish the panels and the pieces of the door separately.  Then assemble the whole thing, being careful with your clamps.

   Remember that the finish will make the panel edges slightly thicker, so a loose fit now may very well be too tight once it is finished...

   d-

1. 
   MarkL | Apr 01, 2004 03:27pm | #6

   Thanks for the advise on the pannel edges.  I plan on sanding the backs of them a little more to ensure they fit after finishing.

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 01, 2004 05:24pm | #9

   Mark,

   Your comment about sanding the backs of the panels after finishing them suggests that you might leave the backs unfinished.

   Both sides of a floating panel should be finished the same way to minimize warping caused by unequal moisture absorption from the air.  In theory the frame around the panel will control the warping but you shouldn't push your luck, the frame can take on a twist from a badly warped panel.  Also if the panel warps before you get it in the frame, assembling the door may be difficult or impossible.

   John W. 

1. 
   MarkL | Apr 02, 2004 03:14pm | #10

   Thanks.  You're correct.  I miss spoke.  I plan to sand the backs before finishing.

3. 
   jackplane | Mar 30, 2004 04:24pm | #3

   You could do it either way,but remember polyurethane will not prevent wood movement. I'd construct the entire piece before staining/finishing because otherwise you'll have to tape off or cover all the joints because stain can affect glue absorption.

1. 
   MarkL | Apr 01, 2004 03:28pm | #7

   Thanks for the advise.

4. 
   CajunDan | Mar 30, 2004 11:56pm | #4

   Mark,

   The reason for staining the panels first is so you don't have unstained borders showing should the wood shrink. To my mind, this is a lot more obvious than having an extra coat of finish on the panel.

   That's why I stain and finish the panel prior to construction. I don't stain the stiles and rails until after assembly, so I can plane them flush first. The stain tends to wipe off the pre-finished panels without darkening it.

   Regards,

   Dan

1. 
   MarkL | Apr 01, 2004 03:29pm | #8

   Thanks for the advise.  I think this is the way I will go.