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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.

It’s possible to paint inside when it rains, but you should keep the windows closed and have a dehumidifier in the room to maintain proper humidity under 70%. Note that keeping the windows closed means you won’t have ventilation, so double-check that you’re using a no-VOC paint for safety. Even then, it’s a better idea to wait until the rain has passed before you start painting.

Absolutely. Natural light, incandescent bulbs, and LED lighting all impact how a color appears. For example, a cool gray under daylight might look slightly blue under warm interior lighting. That’s why it’s smart to check color matches at different times of day and under various lighting conditions. If a color match appears only slightly off, lighting may be the reason.

You technically can paint wires in a basement ceiling, but there are several important safety and code considerations. It's safe to paint non-metallic sheathed cable as long as the labeling remains visible. You can also paint low-voltage wires and conduit and junction boxes to help them blend into your basement. 

However, you should not paint damaged or deteriorated wiring is a fire hazard because it poses a fire hazard. The same goes for painting over high-heat wires that connect to heat-generating appliances or systems. Be sure to avoid painting multiple coats onto any wires, as that traps heat and poses fire risks.