There's a million ways to use Tru Oil, some right,many wrong.

When a factory stain is involved, and often it is, under their "finish", it's best to use a chemical stripper and actually get it down to clean raw wood....then sand.

Stain it, a couple coats will get it even if any sap wood or light wood is showing.

Let the stain dry WELL, as the reducers in the stain MUST be all evaporated out before a sealing coat of any kind is applied.

Tru Oil does not NEED to be sanded in between coats for it to adhere. It's best applied and rubbed dry thus requiring MANY coats to accomplish a finished product.

Adding anything to it to thin it only makes your stock a sponge that will soak up moisture. As the "thinner", including any kind of stain, will cause microscopic bubbles to form as it tries to escape the wood. These bubble holes allow moisture to enter.

Have been down many shortcuts with tru oil myself and have learned none are better than what the pros do when the pros use it........