Elephant-Shaped Piggy Bank

Step 8 Remove the Plexiglas walls and stain

I then removed the screws and sides from the body in order to stain it. (Had I stained before and screwed afterwards, my sanding down the drill holes would have roughed up the stain, forcing me to apply it again)

I used my dark walnut stain, which shows off the grains and natural patterns of the wood.  I applied just one coat, so that the contrast would be more visible, and let dry overnight.

Paint would work just as well here, though I'd again recommend spray paint/primer for the hard-to-reach interior.