Paint and then assemble? Or assemble then paint?

[Homerboy]

I'm in the process of building a large inside bench and wooden locker for our mudroom. I plan on painting it once all the final cuts are made and edges routed, but I cam eo the question of "Do I paint first and then assemble? Or Assemble then paint?"

The bulk of it is made out of MDF (I will never work with the material again FYI) and will be held together with pocket screws. If I use wood glue too (not sure if I really need to) obviously I would have to assemble first, then paint.

Suggestions? Comments?

Edit: project in question (warning pdf):
http://www.workbenchmagazine.c...pdf/wb303-locker01.pdf

These were the general plans, but I measurements etc to fit the area I needed.

 

[dullard]

I don't do much wordworking, but I've found projects like that to be far easier and better quality if I prime the parts before assembling and then paint the final product after assembling. Priming before means you can perfectly coat each nook and crevice to protect it better from the elements. But, during assembly, something will likely be scratched. So painting it after assembly gives the best final result.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: dullard
I don't do much wordworking, but I've found projects like that to be far easier and better quality if I prime the parts before assembling and then paint the final product after assembling.

Actually that was my 3rd thought/option too. Just trying to keep the primer off the glued sides obviously.

 

[Vette73]

I would do a think primer then put together, no primer on any glue areas, then paint. The paint or even thick primer can move things enough to leave gaps and/or not fit well.

 

[drnickriviera]

I'm building my own kitchen cabinets now. Few things i've learned. Pocket screws are not enough, you should glue everything. I think of pocket screws as clamps. I use pocket screws so I don't have to have a million cabinet clamps around.

My finishing process. Assemble > Wood filler > oil based primer > wood filler > primer again or go to paint depending on how much filler I used.

You should be fine with MDF, but on solid wood, I found out fast that water based finishes aren't the way to go.
Did you not like the weight of MDF? they make an ultralight MDF. Much easier to handle

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: drnickriviera
I'm building my own kitchen cabinets now. Few things i've learned. Pocket screws are not enough, you should glue everything. I think of pocket screws as clamps. I use pocket screws so I don't have to have a million cabinet clamps around.

My finishing process. Assemble > Wood filler > oil based primer > wood filler > primer again or go to paint depending on how much filler I used.

You should be fine with MDF, but on solid wood, I found out fast that water based finishes aren't the way to go.
Did you not like the weight of MDF? they make an ultralight MDF. Much easier to handle

MDF is fine for some projects, don't get me wrong. I just don't think the corners and such of it can take a beating in many applications. For instance like these lockers/bench I'm making. I actually decided to use 1" pine for the horizontal pieces (bench top etc) since those corners would be subject to a fair amount of abuse.

 

[Squisher]

Are these going to be subjected to any water in their use, like if people put stuff away after being out in the snow? If so, you'll want to make sure all six sides of every piece is sealed. Water always wins.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: Squisher
Are these going to be subjected to any water in their use, like if people put stuff away after being out in the snow? If so, you'll want to make sure all six sides of every piece is sealed. Water always wins.

LOL yeah I know doesn't it always?
It will be subject to some light water/dampness I'm sure (wet boots/gloves/hats/etc under or nearby) SO I do plan on priming/painting all 6 sides for sure. ESPECIALLY with the MDF. Not that pine is impervious, but I feel it will be less susceptible to water damage so thats why I chose it again in those "rough" places.

 

[Homerboy]

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH.

Shoot me. I miss-calculated a measurement.
Crap.

 

[oogabooga]

I haven't done a lot of woodworking, but I've painted most things after assembly. The method would be based on the shape/dimensions of the item, but usually after assembly.

I think the only other time that it was different was for cutin/cutouts where it made more sense to paint each piece before full assembly (but the various pieces would vary in color as opposed to just being one solid color)