Tips on restraining furniture?

[MrsAxilla]

We have a lot of furniture that needs a makeover. I've sanded and restrained simple pieces before, with mixed results. Any tips before I get started? DH seems to think spray paint will be easiest.

[TBM]

To stain furniture, you need to start with a surface completely free of old stain or paint, and sometimes you need to use a conditioner to help get even staining. It can take multiple coats of stain to get the right depth of color and coverage. Thin, even coats with thorough wiping between coats helps.

I prefer to use a stain like General Finishes over Minwax....I think they work better.