Best way to approach finishing?

[Mark Woodward]

I've read a few times that it's better to 'finish' a piece of furniture before glue up. What do they mean? Does it mean I should sand, stain and varnish each part before it goes together? (with the exception of the joints!) or do they mean something else?
Thanks,
Mark

[ubeaut]

Hi Mark

Yes, it does mean you should sand, stain and varnish each part before it goes together? (with the exception of the joints!)

If you do this it is nesessary to mask all joints so as not to impare the timber to timber joint when gluing up. You will find that this is not the prefered method of most furniture manufacturers but it does produce an overall better finish in most cases.

Cheers
Neil