Before I stain, how can I tell if/where there will be sanding rings?

Kennon
by Kennon
Hi - I am refinishing my hardwood stairs and occasionally I will apply stain and there are sanding imperfections that I couldn't see on the bare wood, such as sanding rings. I can keep sanding till the cows come home, but I would love to know when I've smoothed out all these imperfections.
Is there anything I can do or use to see where these rings are before applying the stain? Water doesn't seem to do the trick...Thanks!!
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