Assembling then spraying or spraying then assembling?

Question

warhammer 40,000, im buyin some space marines and im wonderin if i should spray the pieces chaos black before glueing them togeather or wheather i should assemble it first?? i don't wont to ruin the model but which is the best way??

thanks!!

Answer 1

assemble everything but bolters (and maybe back packs and bases, then base coat and paint.  Paint the bolters on the sprue then remove and add to the painted model

Answer 2

If you spray first then there is the danger that you scratch or chip the paint when assembling. Therfore assemble then spray