The only problem with any laquer that you use..... it will yellow or discolor over time. We use a water-based satin sealer that you can buy at any Home Depot. That will never discolor due to it being water based. As far as whitening, Drew307 is dead on the money with that procedure. It works great. As far as the staining though, we have tried all of the other methods with very limited success. The oil paint method is a lot cheap and it is way easier to control the color with paint or laquer thinner. If you get an area too dark, just put a little thinner or a rag and lighten it up or remove it completely while it is still wet. There is also very little oder compaired to the other methods. But it just boils down to what is easiest for you!