(NAPSA)—Few things add style and elegance to a room like the rich look of wood furniture. But has the wood furniture in your homelost its luster? What about the flea market find that doesn’t quite match the other wood pieces in your home? It’s easy to give wood surfaces a new, long-lasting finish with stain and a protective finish. Just follow these simple steps from the woodfinishing experts at Rust-Oleum: Tip #1: Preparation is the key to a beautiful staining project. Start your project by sanding. Sanding allows stain to adhere and penetrate the wood, providing a better-looking, more even appearance. Clean the wood surface thoroughly and wipe away any sanding residue with a damp sponge. Before applying stain to the entire project, test it out on an inconspicuous area of the project. For example, if you are staining a chair, turn it over and stain the bottom of the seat to test the color. Tip #2: Bring out wood’s natural beauty with a colored stain. Stains add a luxurious, warm finish that'll enhance its appearance and addclassic style to any room. Try deeper stains like Cabernet and Dark Walnut for a rich, traditional feel. Or use lighter colors like Golden Pecan or Golden Oak for a more naturallook. Think stains are messy and hard to apply? Not anymore! Varathane Foam Stain—Rust-Oleum’s latest Varathane brand innovation— eliminates the drips and dribbles of traditional stain. Unlike liquid stains, this foaming stain formula a i ’" foare) I y - PY 2 S,| Wood staining is an easy and inexpensive way to beautify and improve your home. takes the mess out of stain application and gives you ultimate control. Just foam on the stain and rub it in with a lint-free rag—it’s that easy! Tip #3: The best way to make your stain look better and last longer is by protecting your project from spills, stains, scratches and normal wear and tear with a clear finish. Try using a polyurethane like Varathane Diamond Polyurethane. The water-based polyurethane goes on clear and stays crystal clear—unlike most oil-based finishes, it won’t change the appearance of the stain. Plus, it’s low odor and great for interior use. The durable topcoat is a great way to enhance the beauty of your wood-staining project and keep it looking great for years to come. For more information on Varathane products, visit www.rustoleum.com. Need ideas andtips for your wood-finishing projects? Visit www.woodanswers.com.
