Staining isn't like painting. You can effect the end color of a piece by how and how much you put on. Once you get the color you want you can't do much in the way of additional surface without altering the stain job.
Remember, you can't use an oil based stain if you intend to apply epoxy later.

: I am planning on using a small strip of stained wood on my deck. Should I
: stain the strip first and attach it to the deck, or should I wait to stain
: the strip until the deck is finished and after the final planing/sanding
: is complete?
: I'm concerned that if I stain the strip first, then I may remove too much of
: the color during the final planing and sanding.
: thanks
: Danny aka, the clueless woodworker