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