After staining…then what?

Ruth Thomas asked 10 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.