I will just add my comments to this post and detail the way I work with pine. This isn't a definitive system but one I have found works for me very well. After all the pine is sanded to a pretty fine grade which is usually 240 grit for me I apply and brushed on coat of cellulose sanding sealer thinned 50/50. Once this is dry which is pretty quick I lightly sand the surface with 320 grit. I now apply another coat of sanding sealer but at full strength and again snad using 320 grit. Next I apply the stain using a brush and allow this to soak in for 15-20 mins then remove the excess with a clean cloth. I now leave it until the following day and then apply a final coat of sanding sealer after lightly nibbing the surface. when this is dry about half an hour I sand with 400 grit and then apply the wax with a cloth rubbing it into the grain well. Leave this for around an hour or longer and then using a stiff bristled brush on my drill I buff the surface. This is usually repeated once or twice more dependant on how much sheen I require. As I have stated this is just my method and I have found it works well for me with the materials available here in the UK I cannot comment on the materials available there in Australia but would assume they would be very similar. I hope this has helped some of my fellow woodies out there with their finishing techniques.
