Staining and varnishing require different techniques than painting. To start with, you can apply most stains with either a brush or a cloth. First lay a coat of stain on the wood in the direction of ...

A great wood stain does double duty. First, it adds to the aesthetics, either by enhancing the natural grain pattern of the wood, or by covering blemishes, depending upon the stain you choose. Second, ...

More homeowners are opting for a lighter look in their wood finishes. DeDe Bailey, a DIY home interior specialist at Designed Decor, says she’s seeing a shift to lighter wood tones in flooring, doors ...

In this apartment, the walls and moldings are kept consistent, light and bright. The ample sunlight reflects the semi-gloss sheen of the trims, accentuating the architectural detailing in the archway.

Have you ever used a stain to change the appearance of a piece of bare wood in your home? Did the job turn out like the finish you see on high-end stained cabinets or other furniture? My guess is that ...

A home with beat-up trim is like an outfit with scuffed shoes—you can deal with it, but it looks sloppy. Painting the trim in your home—whether it’s wainscoting, chair rails, or crown molding—is a way ...

Water can take a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. If it doesn’t, it’s ...