Using a palm sander, sand with the grain from one side to the other.

Sand the edge and the wood underneath with sandpaper.

Wipe off the dust with any soft cloth, then go over it with a tack cloth.

Stir your can of stain.

Using a bristle brush, start at one end and brush the stain on with long strokes, in the same direction as the grain.

Make sure you do not leave a wet edge, which means keep going until you get to the edge of a section. 

Apply 2-3 coats.

Allow the stain to dry for at least 6 hours before applying a second coat.

Once dry, lightly sand by hand with the steel wool.

Use the tack cloth to thoroughly remove any dust, then apply another thin coat of stain.