Sorry it has taken a while respond to you Henry. My computer is on the blink and I'm having to go to the local library to check my e-mail and the forums that I have posted at. Unfortunately, one can only sign up for a half hour before turning over the computer to someone else. Anyway, I did use a regular minwax stain so wouldn't it be best to stick with the brand and restain it with a minwax gel stain? Actually, I was hoping that I could rub out the top to a lighter color rather than get a darker color.... Perhaps w/ a small amount of bleach. Any thoughts?