When to rag, and when to brush stain

[LinuxRandal]

It never dawned on me, as I always used what I had handy (or was handed), but as I am still learning.....

So when do you brush stain on, and when do you rag it on?


Thanks

[lrogers]

I all ways put stain on with a rag. I feel it gives me more "control" over the staining process.

[Copper]

I am a big fan of gel stain (someone here turned me on to it - thanks!). I used to put it on with a rag, but I was going through quite a few rags. I have now switched to using a brush on, rag off technique. It goes on much easier than the regular stain when using a brush. Oh, I use a bristled brush - not foam. The stain sticks to it better.

[cabinetman]

I've always ragged it on except in the corners, then brushed it so not to overload the area, by brushing out what was ragged on.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[rickd]

I tend to use a foam brush to apply stain. After about 10-15 minutes, I rub it in with a soft cloth.

I'll use a rag for very any pieces that are too small to stain using a brush - or difficult places to get at - like inside corners etc.

[Black wallnut]

I almost always use a brush, liquid or gel; followed by a rag off.

[Doug Jones]

I all ways put stain on with a rag. I feel it gives me more "control" over the staining process.

ditto,,,,,,

[Sawatzky]

I have never used a brush. I have a lot of control with the rag.

[JimD]

Another vote for a rag. Sometimes a paper towel - but they fall apart so a rag is better.

Jim

[drumpriest]

I don't like to stain, in general. When I do it's usually a veneered plywood project and there has been some small damage to the veneer, as stain will even out the color.

When I do stain, it's a rag for me, or a good paper towel. There are those out there that are pretty lint free and won't fall apart easily.

[SARGE..g-47]

Rag it on with gel. Rarely use liquid oil stain anymore. Cotton rags (like T-shirts) as the big boxes of painters rags you get from the Orange box. Clean terry-cloth shop towels to rag off both gel and Watco, etc.

Regards...

[MilDoc]

Well ... to me I guess it kinda depends.
Arm-R-Seal - foam brush works best for me. I love the stuff for indoor.
Oil finishes - foam brush to saturate then wipe off with rag.
Poly - dilute and wipe on. More coats but no ridges like I got with a brush or a foam brush.
Stains - rag on, rag off.
Varnish - have only done an outdoor feeder with a brush. No comment.

I do feel there is a BIG difference in quality in foam brushes. I threw out all with a plastic grip. Fell apart. Now I pay more for better quality. But, I haven't been doing this too long and am still experimenting. I haven't worked much with open vs closed pore woods, and, according to what I've read, that can make a difference.

[LinuxRandal]

I don't like to stain, in general. When I do it's usually a veneered plywood project and there has been some small damage to the veneer, as stain will even out the color.

When I do stain, it's a rag for me, or a good paper towel. There are those out there that are pretty lint free and won't fall apart easily.

At first when I read this (remember I am more still a house project stage) I thought, "stain, no, PAINT ".
So what DO you prefer? Shellac....
Learning a lot via your replies

Thanks