[Patrick]

I sand with 220 grit. Stain is oil based wipe or brush-on. Doesn't matter if it's Mineax or whatever. I've used various brands with the same results. Mohawk is spray can. I prefer Lenmar Nitro-Cellulose lacquer, shot through an HVLP gun at 10 psi, but you can spray Deft brush-on also. I use gloss only. The steel wool cuts it to satin. Gloss is harder. I give 10 coats of approx. 65/35, usually with 1 ounce of retarder per quart, since the humidity is so high here in Florida. Any water-slide decals should be applied after 5 coats.

If you need grain filler, I use Timbermate before staining. Even though it's water-based, it's very easy to work with. There's all my secrets.