Sealing maple pistol stock before stain

[Pistolblast]

Is there a solution/conditioner to soak the maple stock in before staining first

 

[garypl]

I use a thin coat of shellac to seal wood to prevent too much stain absorbtion and prevent blotchy areas. I dilute the shellac 50/50 with denatured alcohol. Test on a scrap piece first.

 

[user 48679]

https://www.amazon.com/Casey-Stock-...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413735798567&psc=1
"This clear sealer and filler lets you choose your favorite stain or leave the wood in a natural tone."

 

[poker]

When I used to do a lot of cabinet building I would use a product called Charles Neil Wood Conditioner to control blotchiness in the worst woods like fir, cherry, birch and maple. It looked like thinned down white glue, but sure did work well. Im sure it was some sort of sizing. Im not sure if its still available.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Definitely NOT necessary with maple. Stay away from oil based stains! Water, or alcohol based stains, or aqua fortis/ferric nitrate.
The more crap you put on the wood, the more it will muddy up the figure.

 

[user 34300]

Agreed, do not seal maple, use hardware store stain, or fillers. The Birchwood Casey stuff is for walnut. IF you use any of the previously mentioned, you will have an unstainable white stock. It will look terrible.

Maple is different than many woods. Start with ferric nitrate stain, adjust with dye stains, finish only when I looks like you want wetted with mineral spirits. Maple is nonporous and does not need any fillers. Never apply finish hoping it will look better after. Once you apply finish you burn bridges.

 

[springfield art]

Is there a solution/conditioner to soak the maple stock in before staining first

(Joke) Maple Syrup!