Q&A for How to Stain Wood

Yes, but the wood will have no protection and the stain is very likely to fade over time.

Olive oil is a food safe protectant, but it does go rancid. Same thing for peanut, canola, or any other edible oil. The best option is food grade mineral oil, followed with a thin coat of melted beeswax rubbed in. The cutting board will have to be replenished over time, and mineral oil works great for that as well.

It's possible that the stain could run, leaving streaks. To get the best finish, you want to place the door on a flat, even surface before staining it.

Wood stain seeps into the grain of the wood. As such, it's not possible to unsoak it, so your best bet is to sand the wood down and re-stain with a lighter color. You could also try covering the stain with an opaque finish, such as an opaque stain or paint. Remember, though, that water-based finishes will not stick to wood treated with an oil-based finish, so make sure your finishes are compatible in this way.

Doing anything the easy way (1-step process) is not usually the best. It is better to use a good brand of stain then use a good brand of polyurethane. However, note that epoxies and polyurethanes are subject to UV damage. After a year (or less in some areas) they will turn yellow and/or begin to peel. You have seen the clear coat (a urethane coat) peeling on the tops of cars, haven't you? The same thing happens with outdoor furniture. Rust-Oleum makes some spray products for outdoor furniture.

It's best for you to read the instructions on the can. Usually you'll want to put on a light coat using a lint-free cotton cloth and wipe the excess off. Wait a couple of hours, and if the color is not deep enough, put on more stain, again wiping the excess off. Next, you can protect your stained wood by putting on different clear coats. These could be a lacquer, a shellac, a polyurethane, or a clear 2-part epoxy.

Go to a big box home store and look at the minwax stains. There should be a display placard with a bunch of stain samples that are usually applied to oak. Buy the indicated stain and apply as directed.

No. Mineral oil is a non-drying finish and will prevent the stain from penetrating.

You cannot sand stain. Stain is a pigment that is absorbed by the wood.

If there is no protective coat, you may need to lightly sand the doors to smooth out the roughness.

Only use linseed oil if you don't plan on staining or painting.

Sand any marked areas on the table then reapply stain if any parts need it. And make sure to apply a sealer coat, which will not only keep the wood smooth, it'll also help prevent marks in future.