Q: Every time I use a rag during a staining or finishing project I end up leaving lots of lint behind. What's the trick to avoid this?

A: What you need to do is buy a higher quality of rag, or launder it first. Or switch to heavy-duty, lint-free paper towels.

Q How much sanding should I do between coats of finish?

A: Lightly sand each coat of finish with No. 220 sandpaper. You'll barely see the difference, but it will remove the dust that's fallen down in there. Then take a sticky tack rag and wipe off the dust.

Q : I bought an armoire that is painted black and I want to make it look distressed and old. Can you tell me how to do that?

A: With medium-grit sandpaper, sand off some of the stain or the paint on the edge. That will imitate the wear on a piece that's antique. But choose the places you sand carefully, because you wouldn't want to sand somewhere that wouldn't ordinarily receive wear, such as the side of an end table.