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Wood that is sanded to a smooth clean surface will not absorb as much stain as rough, less sanded wood. Quality dense pine will take the stain in a solid even way while less refined wood may appear more blotchy with dark patches. Certain types of stain and colors are better suited for specific wood types. Wood that is sanded to a smooth clean surface will not absorb as much stain as rough, less sanded wood. The quality of the wood is important. Consider that better quality pine will take the stain in a solid even way while less refined lower quality pine may appear more blotchy with dark patches. Certain types of stain and colors are better suited for specific wood types. Unfinished wood products from suppliers may have oils or other contaminants from handling on the surface of the wood. This all needs to be removed as it will negatively impact how the stain will be absorbed. Rough wood will not accept the stain as well in that although it may turn out darker, it will be blotchy and uneven. All wood surfaces need to be sanded down smooth and free of any oils or contaminants. An orbital sander is an excellent choice for aiding in the process. Take your time and sand the wood well.Unfinished wood products from suppliers may have oils or other contaminants from handling which reside on the surface of the wood. This all needs to be removed as it will negatively impact how the stain will be absorbed. Rough wood will not accept the stain as well in that although it may turn out darker, it will be blotchy and uneven. All wood surfaces need to be sanded down smooth and free of any oils or contaminants. An orbital sander is an excellent choice for aiding in the process. Take your time and sand the wood well.For tips on sanding do your homework. In brief, sand with the grain of the wood. Select the appropriate sand paper that is intended for use on wood, and that is not too course. Rougher wood needs to be sanded with course paper then again with fine paper to produce the best smooth finish. After sanding be sure to remove all wood dust from the wood surfaces.For tips on sanding do your homework. In brief, sand with the grain of the wood. Select the appropriate sand paper that is intended for use on wood, and that is not too course. Rougher wood needs to be sanded with course paper then again with fine paper to produce the best smooth finish. After sanding be sure to remove all wood dust from the wood surfaces. Blow off surfaces with compressed air. Wipe the wood with a clean dry rag.* Use 2 clothes, one for application and one for excess removal of stain* Use 2 clothes, one for application and one for excess stain removalApply the stain to the wood surface thoroughly saturating the wood. Do not use an excessive amount of stain, but be sure to use enough. Do not allow puddles of stain to pool on the surface of the wood. You need to rub and work the stain into the wood. Do not be lazy and just slop on the stain. Dip a portion of your application rag into the stain container, then start to apply the stain to the wood, working it in going with the grain of the wood. Apply the stain with consistent pressure in even motions working with the grain of the wood. Always work "with" the wood and never against it.Apply the stain to the wood surface thoroughly saturating the wood. Do not use an excessive amount of stain, but be sure to use enough. Do not allow puddles of stain to pool on the surface of the wood. You need to rub and work the stain into the wood. Do not be lazy and just slop on the stain. Dip a portion of your application rag into the stain container, then start to apply the stain to the wood, working it in and going with the grain of the wood. Apply the stain with consistent pressure in even motions with the grain of the wood. Always work "with" the wood and never against it. * Rub on stain in the direction of wood grainOccasionally look back over your work to examine and spot areas of the finish that seem too light. You may need to apply more stain and work it into the wood better. If you spot areas too dark simply rub with the second cloth and blend the stain better. If the second blending cloth takes in too much stain it will need to be discarded to be replaced by another cloth. The blending cloth should never becomes saturated.* Blend stain with second ragYou should apply at least two complete coats. Wait the recommended amount of time between coats as directed by the stain manufacturer. This is typically around 15 minutes. For a darker finish apply additional coats. Also, the more stain you apply in your initial coat will also result in a darker finish.Occasionally look back over your work to examine and spot areas of the finish that seem too light. You may need to apply more stain and work it into the wood better. If you spot areas too dark simply rub with the second cloth and blend the stain better. If the second blending cloth takes in too much stain it will need to be discarded. Replace it with a clean and dry cloth. The blending cloth should never becomes saturated. You should apply at least two complete coats. Wait the recommended amount of time between coats as directed by the stain manufacturer. This is typically around 15 minutes. For a darker finish apply additional coats. Also, the more stain you apply in your initial coat will result in a darker finish.Polyurethane can also be applied with a cloth rag, however, I prefer to use a brush because it is thicker and better suited for brush application. It needs to be brushed on the stained wood surface in even strokes and again, working with the grain of the wood. Always work with the wood.Polyurethane is thicker than stain, it needs to be applied with a brush. Although they manufacture foam brush applicators, it is recommended that you use a bristle brush that is specifically approved for use with polyurethane. The liquid needs to be brushed on the stained wood surface in even strokes and again, working with the grain of the wood. Always work with the wood.Your goal is to evenly coat the stained wood. You should be working in an area that is well illuminated with light. As you apply the polyurethane sealant look for any areas that appear dull. If an area appears dull then you either missed that area or didn't apply an adequate amount of polyurethane. * Apply polyurethane with a brush in long even strokes.Without delay you should do what is called "tipping off the finish," which is to run over the entire surface with long brushstrokes as soon as you completed coating the last area. You will brush from end to end and overlap your strokes. Because polyurethane dries quickly you will not want to poke along. Keep up a quick pace while working with the sealant. Get it applied and get it tipped off. Your goal is to evenly coat the stained wood. You should be working in an area that is well illuminated. As you apply the polyurethane look for any areas that appear dull in the light. If an area appears dull then you either missed that area or didn't apply an adequate amount of polyurethane. Spread the brushed on liquid over the entire surface with long, even strokes. Don’t use too much or you’re likely to get runs.While drying, do not tip the wood surface on its side. The surface needs to remain flat and upright to prevent runs.While working with the brush, try to avoid wiping the brush on the rim of the can because this may introduce air bubbles. If tiny bubbles appear on the surface of the wood after a stroke with the brush, continue to brush over the area until the bubbles are gone. Without delay you should do what is called "tipping off the finish," which is to run over the entire surface with long brushstrokes as soon as you completed coating the last area. You will brush from end to end and overlap your strokes. Because polyurethane dries quickly you will not want to poke along. Keep up a quick pace while working with the sealant. Get it applied and get it tipped off. While tipping off the finish you will not need to dip the brush in the can of polyurethane. Work with what is already on the surface unless you spot an area that you completely missed. While drying, do not tip the wood fixture on its side. The surface needs to remain flat and upright to prevent runs. About five minutes after the last applied coat you should inspect for any drips or defects. You can make subtle adjustments at this time with additional polyurethane to a flawed area. Again, it is important to give the polyurethane adequate time to dry. Let it dry overnight and apply the next coat the following day, or at least 12 hours later. Two coats is typically sufficient, however, in some situations a third coat may be desired. Before application of subsequent coats be sure to dust off the dry surface to remove any dust that has settled on it before application of your next coat of polyurethane.The polyurethane finish needs to be sanded smooth after it is fully dried. Again, I recommend waiting a full day before sanding the finish after the last coat of polyurethane. Sand with a fine grain sandpaper. Do not sand excessively or you will sand away the entire finish. You should only need to lightly sand the finish to make it nice and smooth, more like glass. Sanding will obscure any brush strokes left in the finished surface.The polyurethane finish needs to be lightly sanded smooth with very fine sandpaper (400-grit) after it is fully dried. Again, I recommend waiting a full day before sanding the finish after the last coat of polyurethane. Sand with a fine grain sandpaper. Do not sand excessively or you will sand away the entire finish. You should only need to lightly sand the finish to make it nice and smooth, more like glass. Sanding will obscure any brush strokes left in the finished surface. Some people use a polishing compound after sanding. The compound has a fine abrasive that’ll remove any scratches left by the sandpaper. After rubbing, let the surface dry and buff the finish with a clean, dry cloth. Whether or not you want to take the extra step in using the polishing compound is up to you. === Final Thoughts === Some people recommend using a sealant between the final application of stain and the first application of polyurethane. I never felt it was necessary as I believe modern polyurethane is an effective sealant. Polyurethane combines the best properties of rubber and plastic serving to seal and protect the stained wood. When selecting a brush remember that bristles are better than foam. Disposable foam brushes are no substitute for real bristles when it comes to laying down a smooth coat of polyurethane finish. The only time I find a foam brush useful is using a small foam brush to get into corners that the staining rag cannot reach. Use a good quality brush and prep the brush before use. To avoid bristles in your finish, be sure to fan a new brush and pull out loose bristles prior to use. Cheap low quality brushes tend to lose bristles readily. Brushes intended for use with latex paint are not appropriate for the application of polyurethane. Get the right brush for the job.Some polyurethane products allow for application of a second coat after only two hours. This is fine if it is indicated on the can. However, never attempt to sand the final finish after only two hours! Wait a full day before sanding.