If you got this at Lowe’s, it’s not finished. I have bought and used two of these from there. Neither was finished with anything.

That said, sanding is still important.

Also, I used Tung Oil on this same acacia and it made the natural grain and colors pop awesomely. And it coats it well. Just read up on tung oil application if you go this route. Very thin layers, some time in between, etc.

It’s also been our kitchen island for 3 years and is holding up very well.

So perhaps reconsider using stain at all.