Here are a few of the most effective options: Reclaimed white polo. Rags made from reclaimed white polo shirts are the ideal, most cost-effective solution for staining. Amber knit rags. New cotton white t-shirts. Paper/disposable wipes. Click to see full answer. Keeping this in view, what kind of rag do you use for staining? Trimaco’s staining materials: Tack Cloth: To ensure a smooth finish, use a tack cloth to prepare a dust-free surface after sanding, before painting, and in between coats. Staining Pad: A sponge with terry cover that is great for staining applications. Cheesecloth: White 100% cotton cheesecloth is great for staining. Also, what do you apply stain with? Stain can be applied with a bristle brush, a foam brush, or a cloth. On woods with large, open pores, such as oak, mahogany and ash, increase your pressure to work the stain into the pores. Rubbing or brushing against the direction of the grain will help fill deep pores with stain. Then, can I use a rag to apply stain? The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries. You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around.Do you have to sand before staining?How To: Sand Wood Before Staining. It all starts with sanding. You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain.