Replies

1. 
   Bill5507 | Sep 03, 2002 11:55pm | #1

   I make it a habit to stain and apply the fininsh coats also.  The reason being that with the seasonal changes in humidity the panels will expand and contract as the moisture levels rise and fall.  This will be especially noticeable in northern climates when furnaces start to really dry out a house and the wood shrinks.  If the panels are not finished prior to assembly an unfinished border will appear around the panel where it meets the stiles and rails.

   Bill

2. 
   RLMillard | Sep 04, 2002 05:20am | #2

   I have found that it is best to pre-finish ( stain, dye, shellac, varnish, rub out etc.) whenever possible. Sometimes this is not very convenient, but in the end, it results in a superior finish. On raised panels this is doubly important for the reason noted above, and it is nearly impossible to effectively rub out the corners after assembly. I also pre-finish the molded edges of the stiles and rails to insure a good finish here also.

1. 
   woodshoplast | Sep 04, 2002 03:37pm | #3

   Thanks for your help. Yeah will take longer but no need to botch it up now. thanks again, agriffee