staining hardwoods

[Mark]

work for a company that installs custom cabinets and moldings. Almost everything we do is paint grade, MDF and poplar. The other day it was raining I was stopped from picking up some maple 1 x by my shop Forman. He stated that if the wood got wet it would not be any good for staining. I have never heard this before. Is there any truth to this. He is basing this off of a previous mantel that had gotten wet and had to be removed because the staining didn't come out right. I don't know who stained it but my guess is that the owner did and had no idea what he was doing. thanks. [e-mail]

[Duane Bozarth]

Will have to make sure it's dry and sanded prior to finishing is all...of course, if one allows other contaminants, it can get stained, but just a little rain water should cause no problem other than requiring a complete resanding.

[bridger]

pretty much true. if it gets rained on, you'll have to get it dry, then sand it again to get it to stain nicely.

[George]

Soft maple, especially the heartwood, is high in extractives, and has a tendency to form rings around the water spots.