Quote:
mechman wrote:
 Not only both sides but the ends as well. This is why you'd want to cut it first. |
Correct, but don't finish ends that will be glued; bare wood takes glue much better than finished wood.
On end grain that will be visible, it's also a good idea to make "glue size" (just thin the glue, I assume it's water-based, about 50/50 with water) and brush or dab it on until it stops being sucked into the wood. The end grain will suck it up via capillary action and, when dry, this will seal the grain. Sizing the end grain before gluing prevents a glued joint from "starving" (the glue gets sucked into the wood and doesn't stay in the joint) and creating a weak joint. Sizing is also good for sealing end grain if you want to stain or finish since it won't absorb more stain or finish than the long grain and look darker. Sorry, this is probably more info than needed or wanted.
