INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These types of stains tend to result in a darker color. However, they can sometimes obscure the grain of the wood if you pick a very dark shade. The main difference between the different types of stains is their texture. If you're not sure which one you prefer, ask an associate at your local home store for a small sample of each, then test them on your piece in an inconspicuous area. Oil stains tend to have a more transparent finish, so this is a good option if you want to preserve as much of the original wood grain as possible. It's also preferable if you just want to darken the existing stain slightly. Using a foam brush or an old cloth will help to minimize brush strokes that show up in the stain. You will also be able to achieve thinner coats, which will allow the stain to absorb better into the wood. When stain absorbs into the wood, you are better able to see the wood grain in the finished product. It may take a few passes with the pads to get a uniform coat of the stain. Look at the wood from different angles to make sure you don't leave any streaks or uneven color. You can buy staining pads designed specifically for this purpose. They are made so that they won't leave streaks in the stain. If you leave a little of the excess stain, you'll get a darker finish, but it can be hard to get the color even this way. The manufacturer's instructions for how long to let the stain dry may vary, but 18-24 hours will ensure the stain is fully dry. If it's not dry, you won't get a smooth coat when you apply the sealer. Multiple coats can start to obscure the grain of your wood, but a second coat can help you get a darker color if that's what you're after. Let the first coat dry completely before you decide, though, because the color can change as the stain dries. If you just need to adjust the color slightly, opt for a dye toner instead of a second coat. A topcoat will lock in your stain and give you a nice, glossy finish. Apply it the same way as the stain once the final coat is dry. A sealer can also help protect your wood piece by making it more resistant to spills and stains. If you aren't happy with the finished color of your stain, a spray-on toner can help you slightly change the color. These are usually applied after the sealer coat, but read the manufacturer's instructions to be sure. A dye toner will give you a thin wash of color that will stay. If your color is too red, use a green dye. If you need to warm up the color, use a red or orange dye. Pigment toner can also be used, but it will cause the color to become muddy. A pigmented glaze can be hard to brush out evenly and it tends to leave brush strokes, but it is another option if you prefer not to use a spray toner.

SUMMARY: Choose a gel stain, glaze, or water-based stain if you want a darker finish. Choose an oil stain like Varathane if you want a more subtle change. Apply a thick coat of stain with a foam brush or a cloth. Wipe away excess stain with pads. Let the stain cure for 18-24 hours. Apply another coat of stain if needed. Apply a water- or oil-based sealer for a glossy finish. Spray a toner made of dye over the stain if you need to adjust the color. Adjust the color with glaze if you don't want to use a spray.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your instincts are often better at recognizing danger than your rational mind is. If something about a situation seems off, or if you don't have a good feeling about someone, listen to your gut and get to safety as soon as you can. You may feel butterflies in your stomach or hair raising on the back of your neck. Alternatively, you might be hyper-focused or hyper-vigilant when this person is around. It's always better to be too cautious than to get into a dangerous situation. If you don't know how to leave a situation, make up an excuse. Say that you have to let your dog out or pick up your friend whose car broke down. If the other person is acting violent or threatening violence, leave as soon as is safe to do so. You don't need to make excuses and stick around. Violence for self-defense, and to make an arrest as a police officer or when the person clearly did something illegal (especially a felony) is justified. However, violence for anything else is never permissible, and is considered assault, which is illegal. Plus, you shouldn't have to deal with the latter under any circumstances. If you're inside with a potentially violent person, make sure you can get to the door easily. Don't block the door, though. If the person feels trapped, they may be more dangerous to deal with. Get into the habit of noticing where the exits are everywhere you go. If possible, ask a colleague, friend, or family member to stay with you when you deal with someone who might turn violent. The presence of someone else might be enough to keep the violent person calm. If they do decide to use physical force, you'll be safer with backup than without it. For instance, if you are a nurse treating a patient who has a history of violence, it's a good idea to ask one of your colleagues to step into the room with you. . Knowing some self-defense moves could save your life if you're ever attacked. Search the internet for some simple techniques you can practice at home, or sign up for a beginners' self-defense class. Ask a friend to help you practice the techniques you learn. If you know that someone with violent tendencies is frequently around children, make their safety your top priority. If they are your own kids, take them to stay at a safe place, like a family member's house. If they are someone else's, offer to look after them temporarily or help their parent find a place to take them. If you think that any children are in a dangerous or abusive home situation, let the appropriate authorities know immediately. Younger kids can't protect themselves, so they depend on adults to protect them. Don't assume someone else will report a bad situation report it yourself if you know something is wrong. Know what you will do if someone around you becomes violent. Ideally, you should leave the building and call the police. If you are at home and cannot leave, retreat to a safe room and lock the door before calling emergency services. If you live with a partner or children, come up with an emergency plan together. Make sure everyone understands what to do to stay safe in a crisis.

SUMMARY:
Trust your gut. Always have access to an exit. Avoid dealing with a violent person alone. Learn basic self-defense Keep children away from the person. Have an emergency plan.