how do you get a dark stained finish on a handrail and bannisters?

Question

unfinished red oak

Answer 1

All these answers seem good but the easy way is two coats set for extended period of time. the longer it sets the darker the stain remember you are rubbing off excess that has not set. so Darkness is determined by how long You let it set. more coats may be applied if you want but real dark finish could take up to 30-45 minutes the trick for finding the right color is take a spare piece or sample piece and apply coat an rub off different locations at different time intervals and find one you like the most.
Tip: note time interval on each section so you know the color desired.

Answer 2

use the stain color you want, give it 3 or 5 coats, the more you put on the darker it will get, [to a point]

Answer 3

Find your local paint store..Gliddon, Duron, Sherwin Williams..they have paint color charts..& wood stain charts, this will give you an Idea off what you may want.

Answer 4

rub a dark stain on it until you get the right color.

Answer 5

try watco dark or black oak, danish wood oil finish.