Why Prefinish?

Cost Savings

Faster finishing rates:  With a dedicated space, proper equipment, and tested techniques, prefinishing materials happens at a much faster rate than trying to finish on-site, or even slower, after installation.  Faster rates translate into lower labor expenses and a more economical choice for finishing on a project.  

Quality Control: By having multiple checkpoints to inspect materials prior to jobsite delivery or on-site installation, the prefinishing process allows for the earliest identification of issues in any millwork or finish that will result in replacement.  Earlier identification of issues results in less time and money spent installing or reworking materials that aren’t going to make the cut.   

Less failures, longer-lasting:  Prefinishing results in a much lower rate of failures in the finish and leaves a longer-lasting finish.  Many coating manufacturers’ guidelines for preparation and application are not achievable when applied outside of a controlled environment, and as such will not stand up to sunlight, moisture, and general wear and tear. Prefinishing provides confidence that recurring expenses to maintain the finish are eliminated.

Time Savings

Logistics simplification:  With prefinishing, the logistics are usually coordinated directly between the millwork manufacturer or supplier and the finishing facility based on the customer’s needs.  This process means that the first time that customers are directly involved in the logistics is when they receive the finished millwork for their project.  The result is getting time and energy back to focus on other important tasks. 

Concurrent activities:  Prefinishing saves time by allowing other construction activities to happen concurrently instead of sequentially.  For instance, while a painting contractor is engaged in on-site painting, the millwork can be prefinished without scheduling conflicts.  Then, the prefinished millwork can be handed over to the carpenters to begin working concurrently with a painting contractor as areas of the project are completed.  This type of schedule compression results in project time savings and, in turn, project cost savings. 

Less on-site coordination:  With prefinishing taking place in the background, the jobsite can remain open for other trades.  Instead of limiting project access at one of the busiest stages of the project, subcontractor coordination is simpler by freeing up jobsite space.   

Superior Quality

Controlled Environment:  So much can be said about how a controlled environment contributes to the quality of a finish.  In a properly ventilated facility, the use of chemicals and resulting fumes are controlled in an environmentally-compliant manner that minimizes exposure to workers.  Adequate lighting and dust-control prevent common imperfections in the finish that are frequent in other finishing environments.  When it comes to application and curing, the regulation of humidity, temperature, and air flow are major factors in the consistent appearance and longevity of the finish.

Use of superior products:  The selection of products available for use is greatly expanded by selecting to prefinish.  The limitations brought on by finishing outside of a facility may result in the use of a lesser quality coating because of what the circumstances allow.  Many of the best millwork coatings require precise mixing, specific temperatures, and proper handling that are not feasible outside of a finishing facility. 

Use of superior equipment: Along with expanding product selection, prefinishing also allows for the choice in equipment that produces the smoothest, most consistent finishes. Having the ability to use more than a basic mobile airless sprayer provides the opportunity to match the best application method with the best product for ultimate consistency in sheen, texture, and film thickness.