One of my favorite finishes is a glazed finish. The glazed finish is superior to an ordinary stained finish because it adds a visual depth that is a simpler finish does not achieve. Many do- it-yourselfers, I think, shy away from trying to attempt this finish because they believe it is too difficult to get the desired result. The DIY Network has a brief step by step article on the gazing finish. The first part of the article (using thinned paint as the glazing compound) is what we have traditionally called a picked finish. If you are contemplating such a finish on your cabinetry or furniture project I would encouraged you to read this short piece. The only thing I would add would be to apply a clear coat after the glazing compound is used. You can see the article here: Glazing Finish Stair Parts