Replies

1. 
   user-6445466 | Mar 10, 2023 04:09pm | #1

   I have experienced similar problems when staining the end grain of some stair tread. I ended up cutting the Minwax stain with about 50% mineral spirits. Very pleased with the results. May also just prime your parts with mineral spirits and then stain while still wet.

1. 
   TomfromMaine | Mar 10, 2023 05:50pm | #5

   Did you use a pre-stain conditioner?

1. 
   user-6445466 | Mar 10, 2023 06:20pm | #6

   I did not use pre stain conditioner. When I did this many decades ago I didnt know about it. But I think mineral spirits serves the same function. If the wood is wet from mineral spirits it will not absorb as much stain. If ya pick up a couple extra draw pulls I am sure you can develop the right method for your variety of wood.

1. 
   TomfromMaine | Mar 10, 2023 08:49pm | #7

   Thank you, that's just what I did, need 10 and bought 12. I will experiment with your and others' suggestions and see what gives me the results I am looking for.

2. 
   TomfromMaine | Mar 10, 2023 04:53pm | #2

   Thank you. I gave up sanding and resanding. Plan now is to buy new drawer pulls and take your advice. I can see how that will work.

3. 
   bilyo | Mar 10, 2023 05:19pm | #3

   If you sand the end grain 2-3 grits finer than you sand the long grain areas, it will come out more even and lighter in color.

4. 
   user-210490 | Mar 10, 2023 05:25pm | #4

   gel stain is one way to avoid this, another is to apply a sealcoat of shellac and then stain.

5. 
   _mj_ | Mar 10, 2023 09:17pm | #8

   Chuck one in a drill and sand it, you can get close to a polish. Not sure how coarse hickory is though... you might try wetsanding with a finishing product as the "wet" to grain fill and pre-treat. Use the old knobs to test products & techniques.

6. 
   Sox | Feb 02, 2024 08:38am | #9

   I've noticed "machine polish" effect - rather than a myth, it seems to me that the heat from the high-speed cutting tool seals the surface. When this has a variable grain direction (as with a rounded knob), it soaks up/resists the stain by varying degrees.