Best applicator for oil based stain?

[mslim]

I'm sprucing up my 8 yr old 5th wheel for possible sale. I want to touch up the solid wood cabinetry and furniture by applying miniwax oil based stain to cover scratches and scuffs.

On previous raw wood projects, I've used steel wool or blue paper towels or painter's rags to apply the stain. I'm at a little bit of quandary as to what to use in this instance. I want it to match so I don't mind several light applications to darken the stain as needed, but what's the best way to apply it to prevent streaking and fuzz build up?

 

[RTM]

I often pad the finish on, using a soft T Shirt like cloth available by the bag at my local Ace. But a piece in the center, wrap another one around it, dip and wipe, in long straight swipes. A bit harder on cabinet doors etc than flat surfaces. (Lint free cloth is best)

Here's where I learned it for shellac, and use it for stain too.

Padding Shellac - Homestead Finishing Products

Prior to the introduction of shellac as a finishing material in the early 1800's, the traditional means of finishing furniture to a high gloss was accomplished by applying beeswax in thin layers with a cloth and then polishing it up to the desired gloss. These wax finishes did not wear well and...

homesteadfinishingproducts.com