Paint then Build / Build then Paint?

Question

I am building a table. I am not sure if I should paint it before I build it or build it and then paint it. Any ideas or tips?

Answer 1

Prime it, then build it, then paint it.

Unless you will want to disassemble it later. In which case, prime it, paint it, build it.

Answer 2

It depends on how complicated the design. If you have a lot of tight corners and you want to show off the details, i'd paint first then build. If it's a simple table and your not being to painstaking with the craftsmanship, build first then paint.

Best wishes,
BillyT

Answer 3

If u are bldg. a piece of furniture, coffee table, end-table etc.. U cannot paint first as u must prepare your wood by sanding to accept the paint. If you want a professional looking table. remove glue, get joints all level and tight from any filler you add to cover deep set screws. Sand, paint or stain/varnish. shelac.

If it's just a picnic table u could use some exterior paint and it would be much easier as its hard getting in the corners, joints
Be sure and use exterior bolts that won't rust.

Answer 4

Build, then paint. You could damage the paint finish in the construction process.

Answer 5

Build it and then paint. In the 8 houses that my family and I have remodeled, we have always built then paint.

Answer 6

You WILL be using wood glue on all non-moving places that the wood joins. So you build it, then prime it, then paint it.

If you paint or prime first, then the glue will not hold. You Need glue to keep any wobble out of the table.

Answer 7

build then paint.

Answer 8

build it and then paint.

Answer 9

build then paint, otherwise you might damage a good paint job.

Answer 10

you should probably build it and then paint it.