- Stains are very thin and can quickly create a large mess if you do not prepare the area that you will be staining in. Use drop cloths to cover your floors, and move furniture out of the way. Wear latex gloves to protect your hands from stain, and be certain to wear clothing that you do not mind ruining.
- You can brush or roll stain onto the surface of your rough wood paneling. Be aware that when you use a roller it will splatter. Roll the surface slowly to help reduce the amount of splatter from your roller. Stain also has a tendency to run out of a roller pad as soon as you apply pressure with the pad to the wall. Apply only enough pressure to the roller pad to evenly distribute the stain across the surface. Stain will also run out of a paintbrush if you load the brush too heavily.
- Brush or roll a section of stain and then use a rag to wipe off excess stain. You will also use rags to wipe off any runs or drips. Be prepared to complete an entire wall when you start staining. You cannot stop in the middle of a wall--there will be a noticeable difference when you resume staining. If at all possible have a helper wipe off the excess stain while you are applying it. This will help to ensure that your stain comes out with an even appearance.
- Use clear coating to further preserve your wood. Allow your stain to dry overnight and then apply your clear coat with a brush and roller. You can choose from a flat sheen (no shine at all) to a high gloss sheen. Clear coatings can also be applied straight to your rough wood paneling without staining first. Some people prefer the natural color of the wood.
