How to add paint to the bottom and stain/varnish to the top of a wood project?
I have crossed this situation where clients want to stain their banisters and paint the spindles. In such cases, we stain first, then tape off the banister and paint the spindles.


Note: You can stain (light colors / not solid) over paint and it will adhere, giving it an antique look. Example photo below of stain over paint.