How to Stain Sanded Wood

Choose an oil-based or water-based stain stain. Oil-based stains take longer to dry, which helps prevent lap marks, especially on large pieces such as paneling or doors. Water-based stains dry faster, which allows projects to be completed much sooner. Water-based stains clean up easily with soap and water and have less odor than oil-based stains. You can also apply a gel stain, which is more expensive but is thicker and won't run.

Test the stain on a scrap of wood or an inconspicuous area such as the back of a drawer or the underside of a table. Testing ensures that the stain creates the color you're looking for, because different types of wood yield different results.

Apply the stain liberally to the sanded wood with a bristled brush, a sponge brush or a lint-free cotton cloth.

Allow the stain to remain on the wood long enough to penetrate. Refer to the product container for specific recommendations. The longer you allow the stain to remain on the wood, the darker the finished color will be. Don't allow excess stain to remain on the wood because it will create uneven color.

Buff the stained wood with a clean cotton cloth.

Apply an additional layer of stain if you want a darker, richer color and buff the wood again.

Brush the stained wood with a thin layer of protective finish. Polyurethane is durable, easy to apply and available in a variety of sheens, including gloss or semi-gloss. You can also use lacquer, which creates a beautiful, hard surface but is more difficult to apply, or a penetrating oil finish such as Danish oil or tung oil. Use the product according to the recommendations on the container.

Allow the first coat of finish to cure overnight.

Sand the wood lightly with fine sandpaper such as 280-grit sandpaper. Sand in the direction of the wood grain, only enough to smooth the finish.

Wipe the wood carefully with a tack cloth to remove dust.

Apply additional coats of protective finish, allowing the finish to dry completely between each coat. The number of coats varies depending on the product used and the level of protection and sheen you desire.