Pine, Transtint, Shellac Sealcoat

Grain reversal is normal and unavoidable when staining softwoods like pine. This is due to the lighter portion of the wood being far more porous than the dark portion so it absorbs more stain.

Blotching is avoidable but it often takes a combination of techniques to completely eliminate it. You can use the Sealcoat or a pre-stain conditioner before the stain to minimize blotching. Sanding to a higher grit (320-400 or so) will tend to reduce it as well.

I prefer using a straight water solution for the Transtint as it tends to be easier to for me to stain evenly with that than alcohol stain.

Also, if you’re going for a dark color avoid trying to achieve it with a single, dark stain. Instead, use several steps with lighter stains, glazes and toners to build up to the final color.

If you have a spray gun, spraying on the water-based dye is a highly effective method for getting an even color without blotching. Just take light passes and avoid spraying so much that the stain puddles, runs or drips. Do not wipe off the excess either.

-- See my work at http://altaredesign.com

I use hide glue sizing, one ounce in one quart of water (hot). Brush it on and let it dry for 24 hours. Sand with 150-180 grit. Spray/wipe on the stain. We first tried this with a Doulas fir mantel and even the end grain took the dye evenly.

-- Jerry

I work with pine from time to time and generally prefer to either put a clear finish, ex., on it or paint it, ex. Staining pine has led to way more problems that I like to deal with.

-- Bondo Gaposis

JAAune—thanks, that cleared up some differences between and details about blotching and grain reversal that I was not aware.

Jerry—hide glue, interesting. Haven’t heard of that one before. Not sure I can get hide glue in time (would have to special order it), but that’s a trick I will definitely try out sometime, thanks.

Bondo—given the rustic theme, I may be doing just a clear coat, possibly with some BLO to give it a bit of extra warmth. That pine bed you linked is certainly a nice build, by the way.

If you’re going to put a finish on pine, better get some of this first. https://charlesneilwoodworking.3dcartstores.com/Charles-Neils-Pre-Color-Conditioner--Blotch-Control_p_47.html

I swear by it.

-- A positive attitude will take you much further than positive thinking ever will.