Number 36 is happening.

[jonwhitear]

Thank you....and this seems to be a common thought. Maybe I should get the colours I have and do a test.

Thank you.

I just learnt the hard way that the stain goes on much more evenly if you use sanding sealer first. i.e. timbermate, sand, sanding sealer, sand, stain.

[ozzbike]

I just learnt the hard way that the stain goes on much more evenly if you use sanding sealer first. i.e. timbermate, sand, sanding sealer, sand, stain.

Yes it does....I use my own mix of Shellac as a sanding sealer. Usually two coats separated by an hour....then hang overnight and then stain.

It also does help stop the soaking up of stain on end grain at a different rate to the front or back of wood. Really helps with blotchy absorption on the faces as well.

I find I get an even stain coat.