Carmen wrote:
It's probably best to do with a spray apparatus. The pigment
from the pickling stain likes to "settle" (don't know if there's a
specific word for that behavior in this context) at the edge of brush
strokes, so it gets extra fussy.

I don't know what brand of stains you're using, but that might be an
issue. Some of the better quality stains (H. Behlen, Mohawk, etc...)
dry very quickly and are easier to apply evenly. With those, you wipe
on some stain over the dried Seal Coat with a rag, and use a dry china
bristle paint brush to quickly even it out by brushing with the grain
until it dries. If you screw up, you simply wipe it off with mineral
spirits, which won't affect the shellac, and try again.

I really appreciate your help Barry.

I'm glad you found the information useful, that always makes it worth
typing.