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A finishing layer is an important step in the staining process. A top coat helps make a stain last longer by protecting it from spills, scratches, and natural weathering.

A lacquer finish is thin, fast-drying, and best used for cabinets, molding, and trim. It’s not recommended for outdoor furniture. Another option is varnish, which has a glossy finish with a protective film and is often used on outdoor wood objects. Polyurethane, known as “liquid plastic,” dries quickly but doesn’t hold up well in the heat. Lastly, a shellac finish adds a warm tint to wood but is affected by heat.

You can clean water-based paint from brushes in the sink and allow the waste water to go down the drain. However, one tip to remember during a painting project is that it's illegal to allow oil-based paint or its cleaning solutions, even organic ones, down the drain and into the sewer system.

A whole-house color palette often has between five and seven colors. Those include the trim color that appears throughout your home, a foundation color for your main living areas, secondary colors for each bedroom, and accent colors, which are close to your foundation or secondary colors. Smaller homes under 1,000 square feet may just have four or five colors, while larger homes can have ten or more and still look cohesive.

Painting behind a toilet requires extra attention and care, as the area is often tight and uncomfortable to reach. First, you should use painter's tape to seal off any areas that you don’t want to get paint on, and use a drop cloth on the floor. Then, use a small roller brush or foam brush to apply the paint, making sure to spread it evenly around corners and tight areas. For the best results, allow the paint to dry in between coats. Finally, after you have finished painting and allowed your work to dry completely, remove the painter’s tape carefully.