A good friend and novice finisher called to say he was having problems trying to stain a very large entertainment center he had just finished building. It seems the heat of summer was making it very difficult to wipe off the oil-based stain he was using because the oil was starting to tack before he could coat an entire area and begin the wiping process.
I went to take a look and it was a very large project indeed. Needless to say, my friend, with stain all over him and sweat seeping out wherever it could find open pores, looked as though he could use a few words of encouragement.
So, after a good laugh at his expense, I looked at the can of stain he was using and recognized the product since I use the same type in my shop on a regular basis. The problem he was having was due to NOT READING THE INSTRUCTIONS on the can. The product was a fast-drying penetrating oil-based stain specially formulated for professional use. The recommended method of application was SPRAYING. This would allow one worker to spray on the stain and another to wipe it off in an assembly line application, due to the product's fast drying time. Since he was already stained from head to toe, I did the spraying and he did the wiping, and everything turned out beautifully after all.
Finishing in itself is confusing enough, especially for less experienced woodworkers, so it's always a good idea to start by reading the directions on a product's label. Be sure you are using the correct product for the job and that you know how to apply it safely and effectively. Many products do not even include adequate enough instructions, so if you're unsure of how to use it properly, consult the dealer, manufacturer or a professional.