I totally get that Waz.
When I did my last Strat build the body wasn't accepting the stain very well so before it dried I wiped as much of it off as I could, and then when it had dried I gave it a gentle touch with some sand paper. I actually liked the result so went ahead and clear coated it. Since then it has become my favourite Strat to play.... but that may just also be the SD HR/VR/CR combo that it has fitted....