I have a maple (soft) dresser that has been built for around 3 months and you will see why I am scared to finish it! I have been staining scrap pieces of wood for a while and never can get satisfactory results. I took the top of the dresser and flipped it over and did the following:
Sanded at 80, 120, 180.
Applied Zinsser seal coat using folded cotton cloth.
Applied General Finishes Dye Stain.
See pictures for results.
What I am looking for is the clear spot in the middle as seen in the first picture. Too bad I can't get it but in one spot.
I found that staining without using the seal coat made the finish look like brown spray paint. The seal coat made the wood take the stain more evenly until I tried it over the entire surface. I found that if I apply 2 coats of seal coat the wood will not get near dark enough. I am out of ideas and would appreciate some help.
Thanks,