Finishing question

[Chrism3]

I am building a bedside table, and am considering how to finish. Is it possible to sand and finish before gluing up, so that finishing can be done on horizontal surfaces, and it is easier to sand between coats? Provided I tape up the tenons and plug the mortises so that they stay clean.

[burraboy]

Yes. Do it often that way myself, a final finishing coat when its all together.