Did you know that Bona makes their own stains? It is the chemical mix of two unrelated companies that puts your project at risk. Minwax is DIY level stain (used by many professionals so not entirely bad). Bona, even their entry level product Mega, is a professional grade product.

Bona takes a SERIOUS amount of knowledge to get it to work. Some of the Bona products have a working edge of 2 minutes (120 seconds...yes...I said 2 minutes and I meant it). Compare that to Minwax oil based polyurethane working edge of 45 minutes (illegal in 11 states because of HORRIBLE VOC content).

You should contact Bona and ask them what they recommend for the finish you are interested in using.

Do you have a photo of your existing floor? Do you know the species of wood sitting on your steps?

Thanks for the help! I do know Bona makes stains, but sadly there is not a dealer near me.

Two minutes is definitely quick, but I'm hoping the small working area of each step will help with that. I'm definitely concerned with how to apply and getting the thickness correct.

I called Bona today and they recommended I call Minwax since I can't get my hands on Bona stains. I have already purchased the Bona, and I'm really wanting to use it.

I'm wondering if I let the stain dry 6-7 days if that will help.

What about switching to Varathane water based stain?

I would allow it the 72 hours. If, pigment transfers onto the rag, after testing. Wipe the stain down with mineral spirit. The mineral spirit will remove pigments that did not penetrate. It will not lighten the stain. Then allow it to dry for another 24hours, before coating. Minwax tech support will tell you the same.

You cannot apply a two part water base system directly on top of Minwax. It will not bond.

Do you have DuraSeal stains available? They should be exact matches for Minwax (where Bona is not, in my experience). Before the advent of quick drying stain formulations, we let all stained floors dry for 72 hours before applying waterborne finish and never had any issues.

No, I just looked up DuraSeal locations and can't get that, either. I wish! I can do oil based Minwax or switch to water based Varathane.

I don't have hard evidence but I suspect the Bona product is superior. It's not the brand that's the issue, it's water based over oil stain. Once the oil is fully dry, applying water based urethane over the top should not be a problem.

You can also, apply dewaxed shellac by Zinsser. Do not buff prior to applying first coat of Traffic HD. Shellac has an amber.