How to finish wood project after staining?
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Rub on a coat of polyurethane just like you did for staining. This will give better protection against water rings from glasses or vases. A simple coating which is easier is a coat of paste wax. Just use a little and buff it with a rag for a nice matte finish.
In addition to the previous answers of Polyurethane and paste wax there is another rub-on product called tung oil or danish tung oil. it is similar to polyurethane,( or varnish?) and my kitchen stools finished with this product have been very easy to maintain ( windex/ dish soap+damp sponge) for more than 20 years.
I use furniture lacquer.
All suggestions here are great. If the piece you stained will have high traffic such as a table top or desk, polyurethane is the most resistant option. Apply at least three coats following the label instructions. If it is a more decorative piece, a coat of hemp oil or tung oil will be enough to make it look really nice. Good luck!
I use three coats of a water based polyurethane.