How to Control Blotching When You Stain.

Use gel varnish to condition the wood.

This is a free video. Click “play” above to view.

When you want to stain wood that might get blotchy, the best plan is to make its more uniformly porous before you apply the stain. Manufacturers sell “wood conditioners” and other similar products for this purpose, but clear gel varnish works even better.