Finish first or Glue?

[Fremmed]

Made this fun picture frame but I've not glued cuttings together before. Do I finish the wood first or glue. Seems like I'd finish first in order to get clean edges, but I'm concerned with how well the glue will adhere.

Summer picture frame.jpg

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Plaquerd]

Kevin
First, nice piece you made! I would glue first. Use just enough glue to do the job, if you do get glue squeeze out, clean it from the wood with a damp cloth before it dries, let the glue cure the recommended amount of time . Then put your finish on.

[JohnB]

G'day Kevin,
I'd have to concur with Dave 100%. Glue it all up than finish.

[Gill]

I would finish first, then glue. Some of those details will make it rather difficult to remove any excess finish if you glue first, then finish. The lettering is so large that it should be very easy to apply enough glue to hold without squeezing out when the project is assembled.

Gill

[Ramjet]

Heck . Why not , not do any thing and just go out for a beer . Aleast then you you have done something ,or do 3 . One finish ,then glue . One glue ,then finish . The third , which ever worked best . What a dilema . Just kidding . I look forward to seeing how this unfolds . It resembles a record .To Glue or Not to Glue . Perhaps a Test piece first ? Good Luck .And sorry not much help .
Cheers . Roger

[Mick Walker]

Kevin, I always finish my cuttings and backer board before I glue them together. I then apply Elmer's Glue All to the back side of the cutting, place on the backer board. Place the 2 between 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood with a heavy weight on top. I have a 10" piece of railroad rail that weighs 19 lbs. that works great. The Elmer's glue dries clear. I let it dry over night. Have never had one come apart yet, I have pictures that are over 15 years old and they are still together. I use either Formby's tung oil finish or Minwax poly.

[SNAPPER]

As long as you let the finish dry as recomended the glue should hold fine. Have done this many times as it is not always easy to apply the finish it those tight areas. I have also used the double stick tape that is used for putting up window insulating film, 3M outdoor. I apply the tape to the back of the piece and trim off excess. Once I have applied a little hand pressure it is not comming apart and no glue worries. I wood try the tape it really works.
Nice work.
Dean

[minowevie]

Kevin, I finish first sometimes. like with your project. but what I do is. put tape, or glued on papper, on the part that will glue to the next piece.this works great if you are not dipping, your finish,and it might even work then, you could also. use a piece of papper, or plastic cut to like the pattern, lightly glued to the backer, like yours.then finish that, that, will leave your space for the top piece, to glue without any laquor. that will give you a great seal. then lightly glue it all . use your fingure to smear the glue, thin. it all works. your friend Evie

[lucky788scroller]

I would in a condensed version)
1) sand all parts completely
2) glue the overlay in place using aleens quick dry glue (pick off any squeezeout after it starts getting gummy)
3) dip wipe on, or somehow slobber on a heave coat of danish oil
4) wipe off excess
5) depending on its appearance after it dries, I may recoat with D oil
6) spray with 2 coats of Deft gloss wood finish from aerosol can
7) sand with 400 grit lightly
8) spray with Deft semi-gloss wood finish from aerosol can
9) sand lightly with 400 grit
10) spray with deft semi-gloss wood finish one final time
11) Admire it for a lifetime! It looks great, I like the way youve designed this piece a lot.

[mikej]

Kevin,
There is a product called "ATG TAPE" manufactured by 3M. I use it in my work on picture framing. Anywhere you need two adhesive surfaces, this tape bonds almost permanently, is invisible, and eliminates the need for glue. I use it in bonding mat board together, and also bonding the kraft paper on the back of picture frames. I don't see why it wouldn't work for you; I'll have to try it myself and see.

Mikej