How to stain a pine, rustic armouir dark ebony?

sounds like improper surface prep. the wood need to be sanded down 220 without any of the old finish left on. the stain would then be applyed with a rag and alowed ro stand for five minutes and then wiped off.if your still geting a stickyness then it sound like a finish is still there. start over again. but if you want it to be a ebony color try a dye not a stain.best use a water based dye. and but your self a good finishing book at amazon.