Recently had stairs stained and some new trim attached on the stringer. It looks like a doorstop with a bit of detail. The vertical piece butts up to the stair. I want to tape off this molding so as to not get paint on the stained stair tread. How do you get the tape to follow the contour of the detail? I don't want to sit there ripping off 1/4" pieces of tape and fitting them in. Secrets?? Thanks

Hi all I just moved into a new house where the previous owner had the staircase railing completely rebuilt and left unfinished. I decided to try stain it myself, even though I've never stained anything before in my life. Bad mistake! I wanted a finish that matches the stairs but as you can see the stain just comes out very red in color. I am using a satin stain+poly, chestnut color (which is the same color as the steps on the tin). It seems that with each coat it's not getting much darker, well it is a little, but seems the stain is not sinking in all that much. I'm on my 4th coat now and ready to strip it all and start over. I am brushing it on, leaving it for 10 mins then wiping off with a rag. But even now it looks blotchy in parts. I believe the wood is oak, and it was sanded and untreated before I took a brush to it. Any help what to do, or what I'm doing wrong is appreciated! I sorta wanted it to look like the 2nd picture attached. Thanks!