Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | May 25, 2007 12:52am | #1

   They will get pretty dirty during construction and there will be sheetrock dust. No sense staining now only to have to do extra clean up later.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   Ragnar17 | May 25, 2007 08:04am | #2

   There is more than one way to do this, of course.

   My preferred method is to stain/topcoat after installation.  That allows me to use the same stain and topcoat on the nail hole filler as everywhere else.  I just think it gives me the best results.  There's no interruption in the sheen of the topcoat due to the nail holes, etc.

   Regarding the trim, one "trick" I have is to paint the walls before the trim goes on.  Then I apply some masking paper where the trim will go, allowing it to run about 3" outboard of the eventual trim location.  In this way, I can be sloppy with the stain and topcoat when finishing the trim.  When it's all done and dry, I use a new razor knife (or Xacto) to cut away the paper.

   
   

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   Edited 5/25/2007 1:06 am ET by Ragnar17

3. 
   Kaya | May 25, 2007 09:25pm | #3

   I'm going to be the contrarian here and say that you should apply your stain & at least one top coat to windows and trim before installation. The material will be protected from grubby fingers, and you should just need a light sanding before your final topcoat. Less cutting in, more control of the process.

   It's always worked for me.

1. 
   sharpblade | May 25, 2007 10:39pm | #4

   That's what i do too, nothing contrarian about that. Whatever works given once's situation.