Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Nov 04, 2004 04:33pm | #1

   I like to pre-stain and finish my trim before I even start cutting it.  Then, I dab a little stain on end cuts (miters, etc.) before I install each piece.  Finally, I fill and touch up the nail holes.

   This way, I don't have to use miles of painters tape to mask the walls so I can stain/finish the trim.

2. 
   jako17 | Nov 04, 2004 04:35pm | #2

   It depends how complicated it is to keep the stain off the walls.Some stains are very thin and creep under masking tape others NGR etc dissolve tape adhesive if left in contact too long.I pre-stain , install, touch up nail heads, tearout etc. Then clear finish in situ.You pay your money and take your choice.I prefer that route as I like to finish the walls without trim .

3. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 04, 2004 04:57pm | #3

   If you have a choice, I would stain/varnish the trim before installation -- for all the reasons noted in the other posts.

   You could, though, do your stain/varnishing, and then rub down your pieces. After installing and filling the nail holes with putty, you could then apply the final coat of varnish.

   I do this a lot (so the puttty is covered by varnish), and I usually don't varnish the sides directly against the wall (which have not been rubbed down). That way, you can avoid masking entirely.

4. 
   Mackwood | Nov 04, 2004 06:13pm | #4

   B D,

   I have only used this method on base molding but it may work (a bit more difficult) on other areas.

   Put a piece of 6" or 8" painters paper under the trim as you install it.  Stain, finish and when you're done, take a razor knife and cut the paper off.  This works great when we have to install and paint base molding over new carpeting.  May work for you.

   Regards,

   Mack

   Edit: Prefinishing works best when possible

   "WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"

   
   

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   Edited 11/4/2004 11:17 am ET by Mack

5. 
   BOBABEUI | Nov 05, 2004 02:35am | #5

   Hey Bigdonny,

   I installed the trim unstained in my old home I built in NJ, reason why I installed the trim this way I was having a hard time coming up with the proper stain color (trim was all Cherry). Finally got to point where the trim had to go up no matter what.. If I had to do it again, I would definitely prestain and finish the trim before installation. 

   You really have to be careful not to make a mess of the walls and floors when staining, although the latex wall paint easily covered the stain that got on the wall. Really the biggest issue is trying not to get the touch-up paint used on the wall not christening the newly installed trim.

   Best of luck. 

   
   

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   Edited 11/5/2004 8:15 am ET by BOBABEUI

6. 
   hammer1 | Nov 06, 2004 01:08am | #6

   If you think you'll have to do some sanding or other work that will hurt pre-stained material, you can just do the edge that meets the wall . For many years painters would stain after installation, any stain that bled was covered by paint later.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match