Carpentry and Woodworking - Oak Stairway oil staining

New heavy solid oak open stairway with oak sides. I am using two stained penetrating oil finishes: deep brown then a reddish brown 2nd coat. The 2nd coat was put on too thick and the red pigments predominate. How do I tone this down without adding more shadow? Should I buff with a solvent? Further, I used a paint brush and relatively thin coating generally. Is a rubbing cloth better to get the rich tones and cross grains up? I am also prepared to remove all the surface oil and start again using a buffing technique and subtle layering, but would rather avoid this and work with the present coats. I was disappointed that the oil did not penetrate more before hardening. But the reddish 2nd coat does cut through the overall chocolate effect of the dark brown first coat and brings out beautiful golden/red/brown variations. I want to focus on this effect overall but, again, the red pigments predominate

For future upkeep I am planning to mix the tints evenly keeping the color codes, brand and % noted. Is this enough? Thanks!

Stain is usually applied with 1 coat. Especially on hard woods like oak it is necesary to wipe the stain after application. The second coat of stain didn't dry properly because the wood was already sealed from the first coat. In the future pick a stain color that will give the desired color in 1 coat. You may be able to remove the excess stain with a rag wet with thinner. To get the desired color you may need to coat with colored poly. If you do be sure to cover the tinted poly with several coats of clear poly so that when the poly gets worn it won't be wearing away the color.

Thanks. By colored poly stain do you mean a mixed oil? I thought of the thinner and cloth but wanted a 2nd opinion. I'd always thought 2 coats of oil was enough but see that one covers all too well.

Minwax has a product that is called "Polyshades". It's polyurethane and stain mixed together and applied in on coat.

Always try a test piece first, or at least apply in an inconspicuous area.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

Herm

I like that, been there done that but never saw it in print before.