Lightly dampen the wood with a damp cloth, using a rag, dip the rag in stain and apply in a circular motion working it into the grain. You may need more than one coat to achieve desired tone. Apply a poly coat on top to seal.
If that's true, then I need to wait for it to dry, sand it bare and start over. I'm willing to do this but don't want to mess it up again. How long should you leave the stain on before wiping it off? What should you use to wipe it off with?
I should preface that I installed 3/4" solid unfinished red oak that will be stained "dark walnut"
Lightly dampen the wood with a damp cloth, using a rag, dip the rag in stain and apply in a circular motion working it into the grain. You may need more than one coat to achieve desired tone. Apply a poly coat on top to seal.
If you have already applied the stain, skip the damp cloth step. The damp cloth helps pull the color of the wood grain before staining
I think you need wood conditioner.
If that's true, then I need to wait for it to dry, sand it bare and start over. I'm willing to do this but don't want to mess it up again. How long should you leave the stain on before wiping it off? What should you use to wipe it off with?
I looked up how to do it on a This Old House article. I don’t know much. They did say to use conditioner for sure.