Staining is a POC. A very light sanding is required is remove the raised grains that the water based stain will cause to rise up. Plenty of coats of Tru Oil, polishing and it will look a treat. Check out my TLQ-1 in the photo gallery. It was my first staining effort so not the greatest but it will give you some idea. There are plenty of posts here to show some ways to get the result you want. Good luck.