I found that you can stain one strip. I did it using artist water color diluted paint. Not water based stain which contains acrylic. I masked the strip. I found that it does not want to bleed past the glue line. You have to burnish down the edge of the masking tape good. I dampen the strip with a sponge then use a fairly dry brush. The damp wood will allow it to bleed and look natural.