Experimenting with wooden steps

I purchased two wooden steps that look like this:

With one, I had fun with paints.  The top of the wooden step is interesting but it is less succesful on the side:

I can't go against gravity, this is why the paint had dripped on the side.
For the second wooden step, I used a Varathane in a tube, it seems to be a recent product, well, for quick project, it is great:

It look good.  I don't consider this one to be a failure.  I go more for a success.  It is a little bit messy but I love the look!  It is only with one coat of wood stain.  I would be interested to test and experiment on the other wood stains.