Beginners Question on Finishes

[My 2 Stars]

Hi to all. I am fairly new to building and had a finishing question. I was considering using a clear poly finish especially on the dark woods that come with many kits.

Many kits have the wood connected on “sheets”. Is their a reason why you can not apply a clear finish BEFORE removing from the sheets and assembling? Seems it would be a lot quicker and better coverage.

I realize that some glues will not adhere properly to some finishes, but if the glue is NOT a problem, can you do this?
 

Edited April 24, 2021 by My 2 Stars

[PietFriet]

You can, but there is generally a lot of 'processing' involved to make the pieces fit properly. I also like to round sharp edges to give it a softer feel. All this filing and sanding will destroy the finish, so you will have to reapply the finish. Personally I don't see the benefit, but that is also because for me the glue is a factor.

[allanyed]

I  agree with Piet and would say do not  apply any type of finish until all parts are removed from the sheet, the char from the laser is removed and it is glued in place.  For just one example, the cheeks of the gun carriages have axles glued to the bottoms.  If you apply a finish, it will go in the cut slots of each piece and have to be removed before gluing.   Also, some parts will be painted.   Same problem, it will get in the cut slots and have to be removed.  

 

I just don't see how applying a finish before hand will have any benefit, and it definitely could cause problems.

[kurtvd19]

A finish is applied after the parts are assembled and sanded.  It is a very rare part that isn't processed in some way after being removed from the sheet.  I can't think of any laser cut  part that can be finished prior to sanding to some extent.

[Keith Black]

 M2S, I hope you start a build log.  We enjoy watching the progress of our new members. 

[wefalck]

Apart from the reasons mentioned by others, applying any kind of lacquer to the whole sheet might also make more difficult to remove the laser-cut parts, as the lacquer will run into the cut slots and act as glue.