seal before or after building.

[jamjam]

as the title says when do i seal before or after building? or does it not matter? feel like this is such a dumb question lol.

figured before hand might be good cause would be easier to get the corners sealed rather than wait until it is built and and try to get into the cracks of the corners. or unless i use silicon?

 

[mhfan305]

If you think you arent going to screw up on the piecing together of the terrarium, then I would seal now so that you get it all sealed correctly with no bubbles. I would use silicon, apoxsy might be better though?

 

[Mike Fisher]

That depends on how you are building it. If you seal it before assembly you can't use glue on the joints. No problem if you are using screws or brads though. Getting sealer into cracks and corners is not big deal just use a brush. If you use lacquer sanding sealer, it dries fast, but it is not low VOC so you have to let it air out a long time. Better to use a low VOC water based sealer. Takes longer to dry but doesn't need as much time to air out.

 

[stacy76]

now,then you dont have to worry about getting those cracks and nooks that may be more difficult to get later.

 

[jamjam]

thanks ill prob do it before hand than, just because im going to drive just over an hour to my brother in law to help build and i might seal it before i go there to build so than we dont waste time and than i dont have the struggle doing it after.

btw i am going to be using a waterbased sealer. varathane diamond wood finish. anyone hear of it or use it before?