I'm trying to figure out a good order to paint/assemble _outdoor_ furniture to get the best paint coverage without creating tight corners that become hard to paint. At the same time, I want to be cognizant of being able to patch holes from finish nails and countersink screw holes.
I want to prime and paint (a couple layers of flat outdoor latex) _and_ coat with polycrylic (a few coats). How much should I do before I put everything together, patch the holes, and clean up? I.e. Do I put all the primer and paint on, assemble it, prime/paint the patched holes from assembly, THEN paint the polycrylic on? Or do I do everything including the polycrilic then patch the holes? Or just prime, assemble, patch, prime the patched holes, then paint and poly?
I'm trying to do as much as possible unassembled because things are easier to reach and will hopefully be better sealed against water damaging anything. On the flip side, I want everything to look as clean as possible.
Thanks in anticipation!
claydowling
Tue, 07/05/2011 - 08:31
Pre-paint
You definitely want to handle sanding before assembly. As for painting, I'd do the primer at least, maybe a first coat before assembly.
Be careful about putting a clear topcoat over the painted surface right away. I've gotten ugly bubbling problems in the past from doing that. Give the painted surface a couple of weeks to dry if you're using any kind of latex or oil based paint. The price for the long open time with those paints is that they give up their solvents very slowly, and if you seal them in before they have a chance to escape you'll wind up having to redo your work.