wood stain

[jaycee401]

i have just bought a dark oak old fashioned coat and brolly stand which had been in an attic for years and covered in black soot, i cleaned it up with a wood soap and althought its in really good condition it needs a new coat of stain, whats the best one to use thanks

[derekpara]

You could use a water-based or a spirit based stain. A spirit based one would probably be better as the stand will most likely have beenstained before and water stains tend to raise the grain, which will require sanding down afterwards.
Stains come in various colour, of course.

After the stain has dried I would apply beeswax furniture polish (Antiqwax) using grade 000 wire wool (very fine). allow to dry for 30 minutes then buff with a brush or soft cloth. It may require more than one application.
Good luck.

D