Reply by OSU55

Here's some info on blotch control. I do all wood coloring with dye, usually transtint. I pefer to use some type of clear stain base so there’s a binder to keep the dye from lifting. 3 or 4 :1 water/wb finish will work, and WR4000 by Target is an excellent stain base. To get more color and depth, use a toner on top of the dye. I use ~1/2# cut of shellac with transint mixed in, sprayed. I can get as dark as I want. Here's a project out of red oak done this way. I mixed Brown Mahogany, Dark Walnut, Red Mahogany, & Honey Amber transtint to get the right color – it needed to match some other furniture.