Stain, sanding grit, raising grain etc

[Rorton]

Probably over thinking this but here goes.

looking to add dark stain to some oak, doing some reading, it’s suggested just to sand to 120 grit and then stain. Also suggests raising the grain with a wet rag.

once that’s done, I apply stain, but haven’t yet addressed the raised grain and sanding that to make smooth again, so at which point would you do that.

If you sand after stain won’t that remove the stain. Or just a quick tickle with 240 grit

wanted to make everything as smooth as possible

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Raise the grain with water, allow to dry and give it a wipe with 240 or 320, don't stain then sand. And don't under any circumstances be tempted to use steel wool.

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

You may have to wet then sand several times before the grain stops coming up. If you are going to use a water stain add a drop of fairy liquid to the stain, this will break down the surface tension and allow the stain to sink right down into the grain.