Well made contemporary solid red oak stair newel posts adds value and aesthetics to your home. It comes in unfinished, you can custom finish/trim to your preference. Sturdy, heavy, and contemporary, these boxed newel posts can hold up for years.
 
Finishing method: I recommend hand buffing, then using conditioner, stain, sealer, and polyurethane/other solid wood finish coatings; buff between each polyurethane coating for premium smoothness. Recommend three coats of final clear coat.

If you choose to paint, be prepared to fill in the pores, prime, and then proceed with painting. 
**********No return on wood products