Stain will not penetrate finishes. And finished oak has finish in the grain depressions which sanding will not get off.

>I am using a stain/poly in one.

If you've never used these before, test them on a sample board. While it sounds like a good idea in theory, they are very difficult to get on evenly.

Are you staining the wood or are you staining the old finish? Your choice.

I read too fast and missed the stain/poly sentence.

You are painting, not staining with that product. I doubt seriously you will like the results.

Thanks for the advice. I thought I had stain'poly left over and I didn't. I opted to get the separate stain and poly as it seemed getting it on evenly and without drips was going to be easier with the liquid stain and a stain pad vs a paintbrush. Turns out I was right. I used stripper x to strip the finish, 220 sandpaper and am very pleased with the result. I have 1 more coat to do of the stain as I've decided it is still a bit too orange for my liking, then I'll do 2 coats of poly. I started with the most challenging area, so at least it is out of the way and the rest of the cathedral door faces can be done while being laid flat as opposed to doing them vertically. I'll post my finished cabinets when I'm done, hopefully before Thanksgiving.