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Vaneer, be gentle with sandpaper. I used the following: 120 first pass, then 220 second. The finer the grit the smaller the pores to absorb stain. You may go finer but will impact the stain to absorb less. Then stain of your choice (I used oil based) finish with lacquer. If it's too dark wipe off with mineral spirts helps remove some of the stain. Hope that helps!

I came here to ask the same and I think i figured out the answer while watching, haha. I believe he first used a varathane pre-stain conditioner (only appears as stain here since it is wet and being absorbed to balance any natural wood variations) and then the 2nd *actual* stain is General Finishes gel stain in antique walnut (can see part of the word antique on the can and that shade is very commonly used for mcm pieces, lol). I also looove using general finishes gel stain in candlelite for a lot of mid century pieces. It warms up the the woods for a perfect rich “glow” without being seen as RED or YELLOW. Perfectly natural and warm. All of their gel stains are very easy to use. (Candlelite also seems to match a TON of original finishes quite nicely when you might only be sanding/re-staining a smaller leg or maybe only the top of something?) This comment is a year later, but maybe it still helps someone? 😂

Hey Steven. I'm new to this CZcams thing. I will upload the info. 150 grit sandpaper Followed by 250. I used Sherwin Williams jacobean stain and Minwax clear Satin Oil based lacquer spray.