Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Jul 21, 2001 02:23am | #1

   *
   GP,

   I really don't think you should be overly concerned. After all, the Romans split granite by pouring water over "dowels" inserted in the granite.

   Since this is wiped on the film is really very thin and doubt that even some minor splintering would occur in the cope and stick. If you had brushed on 5 or 6 coats then there might be cause for concern over splintering.

   I generally will apply the finish last on raised panel work and have never experienced any problems with joint failures of any kind nor splintering resulting from the finish "bonding" to the frames and panels.

   In addition the finish you used is and will remain somewhat flexible. The "softness" of varnish is a result of this flexibility. Even had you used a wipe on poly, there really shouldn't be a need for concern.

   If you are still paranoid, you might take a piece of very soft wood and a mallet and try rapping around the frames and back of the panels but, I really don't think it necessary.

   Dano

1. 
   Ron_Teti | Jul 21, 2001 04:40am | #2

   *I agree with Dano, I have never had a problem with a panel after I finished it. You shoud be ok.

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Jul 21, 2001 07:21am | #3

   *Ditto previous posters. Unlikely to have a splitting problem. However, you might eventually have an unfinished 'white line' problem on the long edges of the panels after they shrink, which the client might complain about. In good quality work panels are generally polished prior to assembly into the framework. Sliante, RJ.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Jul 21, 2001 07:58am | #4

   *Sgian,I think that the "white line" results more from staining after assembly instead of the "correct" approach to staining prior to assembly.Earlier this spring I had a commission for a Cherry hope chest with raised panels. I wiped on the the first 5 coats on the panels before assembly then applied the final coat after. It was delivered a little over a month ago. This afternoon I made a trip out to the clients grand daughter's home for a "30 day check" up. No signs of any type of lines anywhere. I had used CMT's neoprene strips and all panels were tight but, with some effort they all had movement.I do agree that with thicker film finishes that are brushed or sprayed on, it is best to final finish the panels prior to assembly. I do think that what you say does make sense for one who has never used wipe on finishes before, I have seen where the less experienced over saturate the pad causing small pools or puddles to form in the corners and along the cope and stick.Dano

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Jul 21, 2001 09:19am | #5

   *Agreed. All of those things can be seen if and when the panel shrinks. Generally I think we concur then that it's 'best' to finish panels prior to assembly of the frame around it? A year ago I was asked to spray paint in a nasty bright blue an assembled all solid maple frame and panel structure made by someone else- don't ask, I also have bills to pay, and such jobs don't make it into my portfolio. I pointed out in my contract that the client will see the famous 'white line' sometime in the future, and don't complain to me about it when it happens. I've received no complaint from the client regarding the phenomenom, but I know from other people that have seen the job since that the 'white line' has shown up in a big way, this being TX.gulf coast, no climate control in the workshop, and A/C running like a Trojan in the hoose. Sliante, RJ.

2. 
   gpwestmoreland | Jul 22, 2001 09:45pm | #6

   *OK, I've concluded that I was worrying over nothing. I examined some frame & panels I have done over the years in cabinet doors, panels being over twice as wide as the current ones; the earlier ones also seem bonded to the frame, as these are, but rail to stile joints are still as tight as when new. I agree with the method mentioned by Sgian & Dano about prefinishing panels before assembly. I've done this in the past, but because the humidity is so low here this time of year, I don't think there will be a problem in the panels shrinking much more in this project. Anyway, I am confident I can deal with any white line that might show later, much easier than trying to fix broken joints. Thanks for your input. GP.

3. 
   C._John_Hebert | Jul 23, 2001 12:15am | #7

   *I agree with just about everyone else. I finish my panels after as well, and never had a problemhttp://www.cjohnhebert.com/pantryopen.JPG

4. 
   C._John_Hebert | Jul 23, 2001 01:06pm | #8

   *I should clarify my response a bit. One of the reasons I attribute to not seeing any white lines in my panels is due to putting on my stain with a brush, rather than spraying it on. I always start with the panel edge of a door or side panel giving it time to soak in by the time I’m completely finished with the rest. If there should be movement later, the hidden edges have been soaked in the staining process and will hardly be noticed. On occasion I do check for run out at the bottom, but those times are few and far between. I can always wipe a run out easier than retouch later, should movement occur.http://www.cjohnhebert.com/brushdoorcorner.JPG