Let me clarify: #3: I meant that I was told that PRE-conditioning would not
help.
Thanks for your comments Eric. I was hoping to add just a hint of grey stain
to the cabinet but at this point I have indeed thought of just sealing the
wood in its natural state.
You suggest shellac...oil based?



Eric wrote:
Desperately need some solid advice. We purchased some unfinished maple
cabinet doors and drawers (fronts only) for our kitchen remodel.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
they
came nice and smooth?

Any stain you put on will raise the grain, wood is not sealed yet. YOu will
need to sand smooth after your first coat of what ever you put on.

2. Penetrating stains will not penetrate.3

Nope to hard and tight of grain

3. Am told that I should not condiiton it.

I would seal it with shellac(sp)

4. Wiping stain will only penetrate if I weave it sit for close to an
hour
and then it is gumming whenI remove it.

Junk don;t use it

5. Last resort: Tried a polyshade and it raises grain as well.

Poly is junk also. i would stay away.

Anyone have any suggestions. This maple is so dense that it does not want
to
take anything. When I inquired at plant that made the doors they say they
have never had this complaint before.

I am getting very frustated.

What are you trying to do. I like the look of natural maple, why would you
want to change it?

eric