Ok, I am working on a rocker and I am applying a finish to the rear splats that are rounded.

I've made them out of maple - curly - and applied a Watco finish to the first three. Ugly blotchiness. I read to use the Minwax stain conditioner, so I bought a small can and applied it to a test piece. I applied the conditioner and then applied the Watco. Still the same problem.

Everything is sanded to 220.

I'm next thinking of using a thin coat of shellac first then applying the Watco. Question - is this the best course of action? Of course, I'll try it on a test piece first. I know I'll end up with a lighter color then what I had before, but that will be ok.

Any help is most appreciative.

Thanks in advance.

MJ