80 grit to 120/150 grit to 220 grit. Soft brush to remove remaining sawdust, Wipe down with tack cloth. Pre stain conditioner with rag. Stain the damn wood with an oil base or water base stain. Add top coat. Good God!! Thank you Angela!! My wife came home the other day to some beautifully stained shelves. I told her to look at your RUclips channel lol.
@AngelaMarieMade I just used this same process on some wood panels that we have on our home. I have no idea why anyone would use wood for “decorations,” on a stucco home in Florida but whomever renovated our before we purchased it 4 years ago thought it was a good idea. Anyway, my neighbors have been gushing over the finished product and have even offered to pay me to come do some small jobs for me. I told them no respectfully as I already work a full time job and that my spare time are for projects around our home as well as being as supportive as I can be for my wife while she finishes her PHD program! I told them to look you up here on YT though!! This is my long winded way of saying, your legend lives on lol!!!
I am staining a 100 year old walnut shelf. I used 80 grit, 120 grit, 220 grit, 600 grit, 1000 grit sand paper to get the mold, paint, layers of varnish and stains. My parents found this in a garage sale many years ago. When I got it, it had been taken apart and sitting in an old box. Found that several spindles were missing, Gonna use a lathe to try to replicate the missing spindles. Should be awesome awesome when I am finished. Staining the shelves and spindles now. Then making the missing spindles (a friend donated some scrap walnut for this project. Wish me luck. Thank you for showing me how to stain wood.
Wow, this sounds like a really cool project you are working on, I love hearing about refinishing old wooden items and making your own, it is so satisfying when it's all complete!
Of all the videos I’ve tried watching on how to do this, yours is by far the best, and you provided links to everything. Thank you so much! I’m sure I’m going to watch your video like ten more times as I do this for a bed frame I’m making haha.
I like how you show the difference between the effect of staining in 'sanded' and 'unsanded' wood. Also between the difference of before and after applying the wood conditioner. Excellent video.
the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.
Angela, thank you for your great executed tutorial, your video edition was superb, some of the features that I liked the most, no bragging,direct to the point,no waisted time, appropriate voice volume and selection of music, good sections demonstrating the details. Thank you
Yet another home run for me!! THANK YOU! For explaining this all in detail as I was able to go through my project step by step. First and only 2 videos I have found from you that truly explains this and helps for someone like me that has no experience on this! My dresser turn out awesome! Thank you Angela!!!
This is the best wood stain video on youtube. nobody did it so organized and simple as you did. my only problem is that i cannot find pre-stain wood conditioner in my country. How bad is my project going to be ? alot of blotchyness?
It will be okay without it! I think using a pre-stain will give you the best finish but a beautiful finish can be achieved without it. Just make sure your wood is sanded really well and you'll be good to go!
@@AngelaMarieMade Angela thank you for taking the time to reply to me. Im staining a new wooden computer desk and i need it to look stunning :) your video is going to mean alot to me at the end of my project
I stained a piece of furniture that I had stripped and sanded a natural clear stain. I hate it. I have not sealed it yet. Can I simply use a colored stain on top of it at this point or what do I need to do?
@@AngelaMarieMade I have a follow up question if your youd be willing to answer, if I want the legs to have the same vanish would u do it with the legs removed or attached?
Did you purposely leave the gaps between the wood pieces? I also noticed some of the knots were not fixed and the wood grain on the boards went in different directions was that done to keep the natural look and add variation?
I'm going to be staining an entry table. I've sanded but there is still a deepish scratch that didn't sand out. Do you know how I can cover it up or remove it before staining?
I always apply one coat of stain with the grain of the wood with the lint free rag and wipe any excess stain off right away. If you want a darker color, you can let the stain sit a minute or two on the wood before wiping off the excess.
Thank you! Check out a link to my blog post that goes into more details on how to select wood with photos: angelamariemade.com/woodworking-for-beginners-6-easy-tips-to-get-started/
I am going to be staining teakwood and the guy at Lowes said I probably shouldn't use a pre conditioner... Do you know how "true" or accurate that might be for teak? I'm just making a wedding sign but still I want to make sure it looks good and not screw up on an expensive board, lol! Thanks so much!
I haven't worked with teak wood before so I can't really say for sure, but I personally always recommend using a pre-stain wood conditioner because I think it makes the stain apply so much nicer. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful! If you have a scrap piece of the wood you could apply the stain directly to one area and then apply it with the pre-stain wood conditioner in another and then compare to be really sure.
How do I apply this to my tongue and groove ceiling. Can I just rub the stain on with a rag and leave it? Or do I have to put on a clear coat afterwards like you again? It’s a lot of over head work and I’m just trying to cut down my work.
Any tips on how to do this indoors? I want to stain a small wooden side table, but I live in an apartment with no outdoor area. Is there a way to speed up the drying time and reduce the fumes of the chemicals?
Make sure to ventilate the area as much as possible, open as many windows as you can, and wear a face mask! I would used a water-based stain if you are applying it inside, water based stains dry faster and are a lot less smelly! You really should not apply an oil-based stain inside a poorly ventilated area so it's best to use water-based in your situation.
Once the stain is completely dry to the touch it can be used. About 24 hours but it can take longer depending on the type of stain you used and other factors such as the temperature and humidity in the room!
Thank you for this very informative video! Is there anything else I need to do to pine furniture that will be outside or will the polyurethane be enough to protect it from the elements? Thank you!
I never stained wood before. I want to start making wood signs and using stencils. Then process on how to sell them. I bought the Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Clear, 1/2 Pint. Can you use another wood stainer brand such as Rust-Oleum Cognac Oak Ultimate Wood Stain or any other brands? Or stay with Minwax oil stain colors and top coat? I’ve seen so many RUclips Videos. I will admit it’s a little confusing for me right now. Thank you
The pine and stain will last a very long time if kept indoors. It really depends on the use it gets, for example the polyurethane on a kitchen table isn't going to offer as long of protection as a tv stand. I hope this helps, thank you and great question!
I have not worked with Mahogany but I think it is definitely possible. I would test out some different options on scrap or a area of the furniture that will not be visible to see which stains will give you the closest match to walnut.
I’m trying to darken a cabinet from dark brown to an espresso finish. Do I need to strip the finish first? Or can I just sand lightly and apply an espresso stain?
After the stain has dried, you can sand it back down to the raw wood and start fresh again with a sanded surface and wood conditioner! The conditioner won't work well over stain.
You said to wait about 5-10 minutes for the conditioner to sit before staining, but the can I’m using says 30 minutes. What will happen if I stain to early?
Hi Angela, I'm going to stain my bed soon. However, I don't have access to outdoor space. Any precautions I should know as I will be doing it indoors? I will also have two roommates who I'll of course communicate with. Let me know, thank you!
Outdoors is best but if you need to do it inside make sure it is a well ventilated space. Open windows and doors to ensure proper fresh air flow while applying and drying. It would be a good idea to leave the area while the stain dries if possible. Minwax also suggests to wear a NIOSH approved respirator but I am not sure which respirators specifically. Water based stain is low odor and better for indoors.
If you haven’t stained your bed frame/head board yet, as Angela said use a drop cloth or a cheap table cloth from the dollar store because when it comes to staining or painting (I don’t care how much of a professional someone is) you’re going to get it in place no matter how carful you are..it’s just the nature of the beast. Second I wound get a good respirator, and good hardware store mite have them but you can probably find on Amazon from 3M for even cheaper and 3M is always a leading product..3rd I would do this in a separate room that no1 uses if that way you can help close it off from smelling up the rest of the house, but if not get a couple box fans out some facing the widows with you and your project in between as to help push the air out and out one in the window so it will suck the air out...also open up a window that is in the back of the house or at least before the fan then you the window, (by the way air pressure works) it help a better flow of fresh clean air. Hope this helps. ✌️
@@ImpulsoCreativo9322 For the long gaps between the boards, I would avoid using wood filler because it may be more noticeable after staining, I only use wood filler on small cracks/holes when needed. But if that's something you prefer to do, you can, but it should be done first before the stain and make sure to sand the wood filler well after it dries!
80 grit to 120/150 grit to 220 grit. Soft brush to remove remaining sawdust, Wipe down with tack cloth. Pre stain conditioner with rag. Stain the damn wood with an oil base or water base stain. Add top coat. Good God!! Thank you Angela!! My wife came home the other day to some beautifully stained shelves. I told her to look at your RUclips channel lol.
Haha I bet she was happy! So glad it was helpful!
@AngelaMarieMade
I just used this same process on some wood panels that we have on our home. I have no idea why anyone would use wood for “decorations,” on a stucco home in Florida but whomever renovated our before we purchased it 4 years ago thought it was a good idea. Anyway, my neighbors have been gushing over the finished product and have even offered to pay me to come do some small jobs for me. I told them no respectfully as I already work a full time job and that my spare time are for projects around our home as well as being as supportive as I can be for my wife while she finishes her PHD program! I told them to look you up here on YT though!! This is my long winded way of saying, your legend lives on lol!!!
I am staining a 100 year old walnut shelf. I used 80 grit, 120 grit, 220 grit, 600 grit, 1000 grit sand paper to get the mold, paint, layers of varnish and stains. My parents found this in a garage sale many years ago. When I got it, it had been taken apart and sitting in an old box. Found that several spindles were missing, Gonna use a lathe to try to replicate the missing spindles. Should be awesome awesome when I am finished. Staining the shelves and spindles now. Then making the missing spindles (a friend donated some scrap walnut for this project. Wish me luck. Thank you for showing me how to stain wood.
Wow, this sounds like a really cool project you are working on, I love hearing about refinishing old wooden items and making your own, it is so satisfying when it's all complete!
I like how you put the differences between not sanding vs. sanding and no conditioner vs. conditioner. Super helpful, thank you!!
I am really glad that helped, thank you!!
Of all the videos I’ve tried watching on how to do this, yours is by far the best, and you provided links to everything. Thank you so much! I’m sure I’m going to watch your video like ten more times as I do this for a bed frame I’m making haha.
Awesome, thank you!
4séŕ
I like how you show the difference between the effect of staining in 'sanded' and 'unsanded' wood. Also between the difference of before and after applying the wood conditioner.
Excellent video.
Much appreciated, thank you!
She's obviously speaking slowly and clear for the learning viewer. This is an instructional video.
the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.
Angela, thank you for your great executed tutorial, your video edition was superb, some of the features that I liked the most, no bragging,direct to the point,no waisted time, appropriate voice volume and selection of music, good sections demonstrating the details.
Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind comment! I'm glad you liked the video and found it helpful!
Yet another home run for me!! THANK YOU! For explaining this all in detail as I was able to go through my project step by step. First and only 2 videos I have found from you that truly explains this and helps for someone like me that has no experience on this! My dresser turn out awesome! Thank you Angela!!!
I'm so glad it was helpful!! Thank you!
Thanks Angela Marie, thanks to your advice my porch looks spectacular
This is just what I need for my son's IDY bed frame. tqvm! for sharing
You're welcome, good luck with your build!!
Absolutely gorgeous! You covered everything I need to know to get the same look. Love it!
Thank you so much! That's great to hear!!
Very well explained, and it was helpful.
Thank you!
Very helpful video ❤
This is the best wood stain video on youtube. nobody did it so organized and simple as you did. my only problem is that i cannot find pre-stain wood conditioner in my country. How bad is my project going to be ? alot of blotchyness?
It will be okay without it! I think using a pre-stain will give you the best finish but a beautiful finish can be achieved without it. Just make sure your wood is sanded really well and you'll be good to go!
@@AngelaMarieMade Angela thank you for taking the time to reply to me. Im staining a new wooden computer desk and i need it to look stunning :) your video is going to mean alot to me at the end of my project
My project turned out really nice, thanks for the tips !
That's great to hear, thank you!
Great video. Have you ever tried wipe-on poly for desk tops? I heard they're more foolproof, but am concerned it won't be protective enough.
Nice video! I haven't stained anything in a decade or so, so was nice to get a refresher course!! Cheers!
That's great to hear you're getting back into it, thank you!!
Thank you ❤️ I needed this video 😊
No problem!!
Awesome vid! Thank you! ❤
Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks!
4:40 🤩 Absolutely LOVE that colour on your desk!
Thanks for the video.
Awesome, thank you!!!
Very useful video on how to stain wood. I’ll be using this when I do my project. Thank you!
So glad you found it helpful, thank you!
From Saudi, thank you
Good job 👍
Thank you!
playback speed set to 1.25
Damn. It’s rude but you’re right. I bet she’s a really good person though.
@@dirty_hairy9040 lol sorry if that was rude i didn’t mean to be rude. ive seen others put it so i thought it was fine
@@dirty_hairy9040 not rude. It's true. She talks a lot and slowly.
i put mine on 2 lol
1.5 👌🏻
Great video, now I feel more confident to try my table top.
Awesome, thank you!!
Thank you 😊
Thank you for sharing 👍🏽
You are so welcome!
This is a solid instructional video, though It's funny to hear such good instructions from a cheerleader-like voice.
thanks...😕
Some comments are better off left unsaid!
Very informative video on how to stain wood,thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Angela I m learning so much as beginner ☺️
That is really great to hear, thank you!!
Amazing wood color finish, Thank you
Thanks!
I’m a bit late but fanks for the tips , great job ..
Thank you!
Im making your outdoor couch, using the Valspar exterior stain. Do i need a wood conditioner before i apply the stain?
Yes I always recommend using wood conditioner before adding stain!
These tips are so helpful, thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you! That was great! Stain conditioner.. that I am going to have to try
Thank you for watching!
Thanks. Really helpful 👍
This is an excellent video!
Thank you! :)
When you treat a table top like this, do you stain/varnish the underside of the board? Only the overhang, or not at all?
I don't stain the underneath side, but I will do the overhang. I don't ever put sealant on the underneath side though since it doesn't really need it.
So cute ☺️☺️☺️☺️
I stained a piece of furniture that I had stripped and sanded a natural clear stain. I hate it. I have not sealed it yet. Can I simply use a colored stain on top of it at this point or what do I need to do?
Such a cute design, love the accents on the doors.
Thanks so much! 😊
easy to follow. thank you
You're welcome!
Purchased a bookshelf but wanting it much darker so thankyou!
Wonderful!
Excelente video.
Thank you for this informational video!!
You're very welcome!😄
such a helpful video. thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you! :)
I've never used a pre-stain. We just stain like usual and it turns out just as great.
Thanks 👍🏾
Thank for the best tips excellent Thank you
I'm glad they were helpful!
Thanks working on a very similar project. (First timer) video was helpful.
That's so nice to hear, I'm glad this was helpful!!!
@@AngelaMarieMade
I have a follow up question if your youd be willing to answer, if I want the legs to have the same vanish would u do it with the legs removed or attached?
So sorry for the delay, and I'm probably too late on the response but I usually assemble it and stain it all together!
Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Great information! Thanks!
Thank you!
Did you purposely leave the gaps between the wood pieces?
I also noticed some of the knots were not fixed and the wood grain on the boards went in different directions was that done to keep the natural look and add variation?
Thanks. Very helpful.
Thank you, I'm glad to hear!
Are you suppose to sand the wood with 220 sand paper after the second coat of the poly? Or leave it
Only sand if you are going to apply a coat of poly afterwards. So in this case I would only sand after the first coat.
Amazing, thank you!!!
Thank you!
Hello its this soft wood? Thanks xx
Yes it is!
Wonderful and beautiful friend of the artist 🇪🇬🇪🇬👍👍👍💚💚🌷🌷🌷🌷
I'm going to be staining an entry table. I've sanded but there is still a deepish scratch that didn't sand out. Do you know how I can cover it up or remove it before staining?
I would try to use stainable wood filler
Thank you, this was so informative…especially for a beginner! 😊
That is so nice to hear, thank you!
What cloths do you use to stain? Tack cloths?
I use a lint free rag or cloth!
@@AngelaMarieMade Anything you can recommend?
Получилось очень красиво!
What color of Stain did you use in the video? It really looked nice on the pine wood!
Thank you, I used Minwax Provincial - i have a link(affiliate) in the description box.
How long do you Leave on the Stain do you wipe it off right away or 10 minutes 20 minutes, thanks.
I always apply one coat of stain with the grain of the wood with the lint free rag and wipe any excess stain off right away. If you want a darker color, you can let the stain sit a minute or two on the wood before wiping off the excess.
Thank you
You're welcome
Thank you for such an informative video. Could you please show us how to select a wood for a project?
Thank you! Check out a link to my blog post that goes into more details on how to select wood with photos: angelamariemade.com/woodworking-for-beginners-6-easy-tips-to-get-started/
How does one figure out what kind of wood do you have?
I am going to be staining teakwood and the guy at Lowes said I probably shouldn't use a pre conditioner... Do you know how "true" or accurate that might be for teak? I'm just making a wedding sign but still I want to make sure it looks good and not screw up on an expensive board, lol! Thanks so much!
I haven't worked with teak wood before so I can't really say for sure, but I personally always recommend using a pre-stain wood conditioner because I think it makes the stain apply so much nicer. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful! If you have a scrap piece of the wood you could apply the stain directly to one area and then apply it with the pre-stain wood conditioner in another and then compare to be really sure.
How do I apply this to my tongue and groove ceiling. Can I just rub the stain on with a rag and leave it? Or do I have to put on a clear coat afterwards like you again?
It’s a lot of over head work and I’m just trying to cut down my work.
Yes I would use the rag for the stain. And you don't have to use a final top coat on the ceiling if you don't want too!
Very helpful can i stain Oak wood i want to stain my dining room set
Yes you can! Just make sure any stain or finish that had been applied previously gets completely sanded off before adding any stain!
Beautiful
Thank you
I just got 2 nightstands and wish they were slightly darker, do I need to send them too?
If you want to change the wood stain color on the nightstands, you will have to sand off all of the stain before adding anything else.
Any tips on how to do this indoors? I want to stain a small wooden side table, but I live in an apartment with no outdoor area. Is there a way to speed up the drying time and reduce the fumes of the chemicals?
Make sure to ventilate the area as much as possible, open as many windows as you can, and wear a face mask! I would used a water-based stain if you are applying it inside, water based stains dry faster and are a lot less smelly! You really should not apply an oil-based stain inside a poorly ventilated area so it's best to use water-based in your situation.
@@AngelaMarieMade Thank you!
How long until i can use a desk , no finish just varathane oil/gel based golden oak because worried about VOCs in my room
Once the stain is completely dry to the touch it can be used. About 24 hours but it can take longer depending on the type of stain you used and other factors such as the temperature and humidity in the room!
Beautiful color! What color did you use for the stain? Is that a dark walnut?
Thanks it is one of my favorites 😀I used Provincial by Minwax and there is a link to the product page in the description box.
Thank you for this very informative video! Is there anything else I need to do to pine furniture that will be outside or will the polyurethane be enough to protect it from the elements? Thank you!
For outdoor furniture it is best to use an exterior polyurethane or use an exterior stain without the poly
hi what color of stain did you use?
I used Provincial by Minwax, one of my favorite stain colors!
Which poly did you use? I don’t see a link to it ? :)
I used this minwax poly: www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZLF58/?tag=angmarmad20-20
Hi Angela
I want to distress a mirror thats a dark expresso color outline to a grayish light wood color, what do u recommend as far as the process?
You would need to sand the current finish off and then I would test out some different finishes on the back to decide which one you like the best.
Do i have to sand again after second coat of polyurethane ??
Only if you are planning on doing more coats of poly. You do not need to sand after your last coat.
Wood stain where can I buy?
You can find a link in the description box, thank you!
I never stained wood before. I want to start making wood signs and using stencils. Then process on how to sell them. I bought the Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Clear, 1/2 Pint. Can you use another wood stainer brand such as Rust-Oleum Cognac Oak Ultimate Wood Stain or any other brands? Or stay with Minwax oil stain colors and top coat?
I’ve seen so many RUclips Videos. I will admit it’s a little confusing for me right now. Thank you
Yes absolutely! You can use any brand of stain with the Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner 😊 Best of luck with your project!!
Thank you so much.
How long will the pine last once we have applied wood stain and polyurethane?
The pine and stain will last a very long time if kept indoors. It really depends on the use it gets, for example the polyurethane on a kitchen table isn't going to offer as long of protection as a tv stand. I hope this helps, thank you and great question!
Is it possible to get a walnut colour on mahagony wood using stain?
I have not worked with Mahogany but I think it is definitely possible. I would test out some different options on scrap or a area of the furniture that will not be visible to see which stains will give you the closest match to walnut.
awesome video angela! sure perfume tips, where’s your accent from if you don’t mind me asking?
Thank you! I've not heard that much..haha I grew up in Maryland
I’m trying to darken a cabinet from dark brown to an espresso finish. Do I need to strip the finish first? Or can I just sand lightly and apply an espresso stain?
I would try sanding lightly and applying the darker stain on a small area to see how that looked first, before having to sand the entire piece down.
which Pre-stain Wood Conditioner do I have to use for 4mm pine board? oil based or water based stains?
If using an oil based stain, use an oil based pre stain or use water based if using water based stain
Maybe a dumb question, I bought an oil based stain, can I use a water finishing based coat? 😣😣
Not at all, you definitely can still use a water based top coat on top of an oil based stain.
How do you avoid yellow/ orange tones when staining pine?
My mom rushed into the project n started staining without sanding or conditioner is it too late to add conditioner now?
After the stain has dried, you can sand it back down to the raw wood and start fresh again with a sanded surface and wood conditioner! The conditioner won't work well over stain.
Can you please let me know the stain colour you used in video?
There is a link in the description box for the stain I used!
Hi! Which colour did you used?
It's provincial by minwax, one of my go to colors😀
@@AngelaMarieMade thanks!!! ❤️
What color stain did you use
I have a link to it in the description box, but it's Provincial by minwax
Hi, what type of wood did you use?
I used pine.
Angela, how many pieces of cloth do we need for a large wooden door?
3 or 4 should be plenty.
You said to wait about 5-10 minutes for the conditioner to sit before staining, but the can I’m using says 30 minutes. What will happen if I stain to early?
You can see at the finish in the video how it turns out.
Hi Angela, I'm going to stain my bed soon. However, I don't have access to outdoor space. Any precautions I should know as I will be doing it indoors? I will also have two roommates who I'll of course communicate with. Let me know, thank you!
Outdoors is best but if you need to do it inside make sure it is a well ventilated space. Open windows and doors to ensure proper fresh air flow while applying and drying. It would be a good idea to leave the area while the stain dries if possible. Minwax also suggests to wear a NIOSH approved respirator but I am not sure which respirators specifically. Water based stain is low odor and better for indoors.
If you haven’t stained your bed frame/head board yet, as Angela said use a drop cloth or a cheap table cloth from the dollar store because when it comes to staining or painting (I don’t care how much of a professional someone is) you’re going to get it in place no matter how carful you are..it’s just the nature of the beast. Second I wound get a good respirator, and good hardware store mite have them but you can probably find on Amazon from 3M for even cheaper and 3M is always a leading product..3rd I would do this in a separate room that no1 uses if that way you can help close it off from smelling up the rest of the house, but if not get a couple box fans out some facing the widows with you and your project in between as to help push the air out and out one in the window so it will suck the air out...also open up a window that is in the back of the house or at least before the fan then you the window, (by the way air pressure works) it help a better flow of fresh clean air. Hope this helps. ✌️
@@thisismydadsphone4968 an old plastic shower curtain works well too.
what did you do for the spaces in between the boards? do you leave them open and do you get food in them?
Using a foam brush can help with getting in between small gaps or crevices. The gaps were sanded down to be even and food wipes off with a sponge.
@@AngelaMarieMade so can we put wood filler in the gaps even after having put in the first stain coat?
@@ImpulsoCreativo9322 For the long gaps between the boards, I would avoid using wood filler because it may be more noticeable after staining, I only use wood filler on small cracks/holes when needed. But if that's something you prefer to do, you can, but it should be done first before the stain and make sure to sand the wood filler well after it dries!
Did you apply 2 coats or 1?
I usually start with 1 coat and see how it looks before I decide to apply a second coat. I used 2 coats for the tutorial.