Newbie advice for staining?

Hey guys, i'm currently building a moderately sized computer desk, and i've decided to stain it, however i'm finding all the internet tutorials are all saying different things, so i thought i'd come to you guys :2tsup:

The timber is Eastern Mahogany, and I've decided to use 'Feast Watson Mahogany Proof tint spirit based stain'.
Some things i'm not sure about:
1) Do i have to apply a sanding sealer and if so, what kind?
2) From what I've gathered, you have to apply with a brush, wait 5-10 minutes, then wipe away excess with a rag - Is this correct?
3) I was hoping to use a Cabot's clear gloss lacquer (I've used this before and I liked the look it gave) - Will this work over the stain?

Sorry if these questions seem daft, but any help will be appreciated! :2tsup:

Below is a link of the table, just so you get an idea of what it is :2tsup:
http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...ualPun/346.jpg

I'd just go with the Cabot's clear gloss. The wood looks beautiful.:2tsup:

I'd like to just gloss it, but i'm using American Beech for the top, and I was hoping for a really light / dark contrast effect, but the two timbers have a pretty similar (almost identical) color.

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...ualPun/203.jpg

In the picture in the link above, the Eastern Mahogany is the bottom timber, and the American Beech is the one above it. As you can see, they are VERY similar.

Let's have a go at answering your questions;

1) Do i have to apply a sanding sealer and if so, what kind?
No - in fact I'd recommend not using sanding sealer (any kind) under stain, it will not set properly and become all smeary. Or worse the stain will lift the sealer and make an awful mess of your work.

2) From what I've gathered, you have to apply with a brush, wait 5-10 minutes, then wipe away excess with a rag - Is this correct?
Yes, if that is what is says on the tin, depending upon the tint you want you could wipe earlier and if it's not quite right apply a second coat.

3) I was hoping to use a Cabot's clear gloss lacquer (I've used this before and I liked the look it gave) - Will this work over the stain?
As long as the stain and lacquer are compatable and the stain is fully dry, yes you can.

Looking forward to seeing the finished article.

Thanks dr4g0nfly, Should have the table finished in about 3-4 weeks :2tsup:

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...ualPun/346.jpg
that's a very nice looking table frame you have there

in your second photo http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...ualPun/203.jpg
I can see what looks like machining marks in the Eastern mahogany. Sanding these out before applying the finish will amke the table look superb

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ian

in your second photo http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...ualPun/203.jpg
I can see what looks like machining marks in the Eastern mahogany. Sanding these out before applying the finish will amke the table look superb

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Yes, those pieces were only off-cuts from when I originally got the timber but after a good sanding session (its all just roughly planed so far) hopefully it will come up amazing :2tsup: