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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.

Stucco will dry in two to three days, but you should wait one to two months to allow it to cure fully before you paint it. The curing process is slow, but leaving the material exposed to air and natural moisture will help it reach its maximum strength. If you live in a hot, arid climate, wait a month before painting. Wait two months before painting if you live in a more moderate or wet climate.

While often used interchangeably, flat and matte paints are not the same. Flat paint has no gloss and is completely shine-free, while matte has up to 10% resin, giving it a slightly velvety appearance. That small amount of gloss in matte paint gives it a more elegant, modern appearance than flat paint, though flat paint is ideal for hiding imperfections in even the most dented, scratched, and repeatedly repaired surfaces.

Priming over old exterior paint is fine if the original paint is not cracked, chipped, and peeling. When that is the case, you need to scrape it off and sand first. Primer improves adhesion, seals stains, and provides a consistent base for the new paint. It also enhances the paint's durability and helps achieve a more uniform finish.