Preparation
            
            
          
        
        If you are staining on top of a previously stained surface, make sure the stain will penetrate before using. To test, splash a couple drops of water on the surface. If the water penetrates, then so will the stain. If not, sand the entire wood surface by following these steps: 
Lightly sand wood surface with the grain of the wood 
Clean surface with a damp rag to remove any dust 
Rinse the rag periodically to avoid dust build up