I normally apply a sealer such as Minwax Pre-Stain Conditioner to minimize
variations in the stain. It helps if the piece is sanded as smooth as you
are willing to achieve. 320 grit or higher. The smoother the piece, the
less the "splotches", especially with end grain.

So if you are using pine, you will have to accept some degree of "splotches"
unless you want to apply a spray coat which contains the tint. This is what
commerical furniture does. I do not like the look, and in corners or where
the coat accumulates, the tinting will be darker. Also if you have to apply
a second coat, use clear coat only, otherwise the result will tend to hide
the grain.

Dave Paine.

"Ron" wrote in message
...
I'm building a pair of valances/shelves which need to be stained to match
the other
nearby stained pine and they want to use pine for this also.

I plan on using an oil based Gel stain from General Finishes
However, when making a couple color samples at a local store, the guy
dampened
the wood first, then wiped on the stain. It still turned out a bit
splochy.

I know about raising the grain by dampening the wood, but, not sure how
it's
supposed
to help in this case.

Is it best just apply it to dry bare wood?

Seal it first with a sanding sealer of some sort?
The Zinnseer stuff I have says it can be used under any CLEAR finish..
So not sure it thats the answer or not.

I plan on doing some experimenting tomorrow, but, was just looking for
some
other suggestions
on how to reduce the slochyness, if possible.

ThankX
Ron