If you’ve got a wood-staining job coming up, consider using a pad painter to apply the stain with. The foam pad holds more stain than a brush, and the flow can be controlled by the amount of pressure that you apply. I have found that with a little practice, I can almost eliminate the need for wiping the stain with a rag.
I use an old plastic dishwashing-soap bottle to deliver stain to the pad. It has a pop-up cap so it’s easy to close, thereby eliminating the chance of a major spill. To keep the stain “stirred,” I shake the bottle now and then.
Emily Neal, Alfred Station, NY
