I bought four of these bar stools and I just love them.  Haven't decided whether I will just stain them and then put a clear varnish over the stain or be daring and paint them with a high gloss color.  They came very well packaged, already put together (yeh for that!), and the finish on them is remarkably smooth.  They really don't need anything at all if you don't want to stain or paint them.  I would highly recommend them.  I know you may wonder why did I buy such a short stool - well I'm short and I have back problems , so everyone else just has to adjust to my likes.  I know they will love them as much as I do.