After staining…then what?

Ruth Thomas asked 9 years ago

The painters have stained the trim (windows, crown molding and baseboards) of our new house and are telling me that the wood does not need a sealing coat…just to rub Lemon Oil into the wood to condition it. I attempted to do that in a corner and the stain rubbed off. I have been informed by another painter that he always puts a seal-coat on the trim work so that should little sticky fingers imprint the wood, it can be wiped down. What would you suggest?

1 Answers
Crowder Painting answered.

I agree with the "another painter". I also always seal interior stained wood with at least 2 coats of a good clear sealer, sanded in between each coat. I like acrylic urethane but any good sealer will work; like varnish or poly.

If you want a hand rub finish try Tung oil.