Vent: Staining pine feels like a chore to me, but my workshop partner says it's the best way to learn. Maybe it's just me, but what do you all think?

Honestly my last pine project looked like a toddler attacked it with a mud puddle. I tried that pre-stain conditioner and everything, still got those gross dark blotches in the soft grain. My partner said it had "character." I'm pretty sure the character was "regret." Maybe the real lesson is learning when to just paint the thing.

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the_kai7mo ago

Staining pine is tough, but that's the point for building real skill. Take @phoenixg64's blotchy project... those dark spots teach you where the wood needs more sanding or a thicker coat of conditioner. Fighting the uneven soak forces you to slow down and learn control with a brush or rag. Mastering pine means you've handled the hardest test for a beginner.

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annanguyen7mo ago

Pine grain drinks stain so unevenly, it's frustrating.

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