I want to stain a real dark color over a medium (maple) color. Can I use a liquid sander on the spindles instead of paper ?

We have an older crib that my mother used for me about 30 years ago and would like to stain it a real dark brown color. I think its kinda a maple (medium) color now. I was wondering if my husband could use a liquid sander? Since we have some already, the crib is nothing but a bunch of spindles...