Wood Conditioning

Put on a spit coat of shellac and then stain it. The conditioner is essentially mineral spirits. Brush it on, let it sit a few minutes, then stain.

You can buy pre-stain conditioners made by several of the paint and finish companies. Some will tell you that mineral spirits will do as well. I personally have not tried spirits but it probably works and is a little cheaper.

A coat of Natural stain also works well. Anything clear that will be absorbed into the wood and is compatible with the color stain should work.

The basic idea is to get the more porous areas to absorb something clear, preventing the color from going extra deep in that area and blotching.

Barry

Here is a recipe for conditioner from American Woodworker: 1 part boiled linseed oil, 8 parts mineral spirits.

You will do better with a seal coat of 1# cut of shellac. You will get less blotching than with conditioner. After applying the shellac, scuff it with

Preston