Thread: Prevent blotching using dyes

1. Ensure the surface is sanded evenly all over.
2. Use the same finishing grit for a final hand-sand with the grain, to remove any 'cross-grain' scratches.
3. I like to make a sealing coat from dilute Shellac, about 8 or 10:1. It's best to use whatever you're applying as a final coat (eg. clear lacquer) and dilute that.
As long as you let this sealing coat dry thoroughly, this works for either water- or spirit-based stains.
4. Wipe on the stain, wait a few, then wipe off the excess. Repeat until you have the desired depth of colour.
5. Leave to dry thoroughly.
6. Apply coat(s) of final finish.


Gel stains work better than liquid stains when the blotchiness is caused by different uptake rates between hard & soft annular rings. (eg. radiata)

It can often be a good idea to give resiny timbers (eg. radiata) a wipe or wash down with acetone, metho or similar before applying the sealer. If you do, apply the sealer as soon as the solvent has dried. (I prefer acetone for this as it dries so quickly. Be aware that there are associated hazards with it though.)

Last, but definitely not least: it's best to experiment on scrap pieces before committing yourself.

thanks Skew, this is excellent information.
Two questions, won't spirit based stain interact with the shellac sealing coat? And do you sand this shellac sealing coat back before applying the stain?