Staining Kitchen Table. Why is the stain not applying equally?

Question

See the photos in link. This is a brand new unfinished table i purchased. I lightly sanded the table prior to staining (per the store's recommendation), but as you can see, the stain is not applying evenly. there are a few spots (all on the one side) that will not absorb the stain no matter how many coats (currently 3-4 coats). Any ideas on how to rectify? I'm using Bartleys gel stain
http://picasaweb.google.com/FrankRomano47/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCIH05_Lv-YveHg#5541811193928743186

Answer 1

Ouch... My guess would be that it will have to be stripped then re-sanded. What grit paper did you use? I would go to 150 or 180 and then water pop (wipe with damp rag- not sopping wet, but just enough to raise the grain). I find it to easy to burnish the wood with higher grits. Be sure not to miss a spot with the water pop or you will get a bright spot. Sanding to different grits will take stain differently, but consistent sanding is more important than how far you go. Sanding is important but it's just one step in your finishing schedule.





Before staining this time use a conditioning coat. This will give the thirsty part of the wood abase so it will take the stain more evenly.



Here read this.



http://www.josephfusco.org/Articles/Blotch_Stain/Blotch_Stain.html

Answer 2

actually it seems this table was natural finished which is a clear polyurethane finish.

get some orange based stripper and strip the surface to bare wood. Sand with

220 grit sand paper with the grain and then tack clean and use 00 steel wool to

clean it up again with the grain. Clean it with a strong 90% alcohol wash and let dry

2 days before refinishing. Use a wipe stain not a paint on. Wipe it let stand for 10

to 15 minutes wipe off, let dry 8 hours and repeat the wipe stain. Let dry 24 hours

and polyshade it with clear polyshades. 3 coats let dry 4-6 hours between coats.

Answer 3

I didn't look at the pictures but I am betting that you are trying to stain pine. The sap and pine oil in the wood is keeping the stain from soaking in. Switch to an oil base stain, scrub the top with mineral spirits and wipe. Staining pine is really a challenge. Good luck.

Answer 4

I am willing to bet this table is birch or maple wood, which does not stain well with certain colors, it can appear blotchy or will have what we called "tiger strips" (light & dark on the same piece of wood )

Answer 5

i don't think you sanded it enough. try sanding a little more in the troublesome spots