Blotching like you've never seen before!

Question

I'm pretty much a total amateur when it comes to staining.  My husband hung unfinished pine doors in all our rooms about 8 years ago but never got around to staining (he really is a busy guy so no shaming intended).  Now that I'm retired and have the time I took on the project.  Every door I did came out outstanding (if I say so myself) except of course the last which is the only door visible from the living area.  As I was sanding it outside, a sun shower started and although the door did not get soaked, only sprinkled on, I dried it over a couple of days and then pulled it outside again and gave it a good sanding.  Now I have a freckled door.  I am using Old Masters Gel in Walnut.  Is there anything I can do saving me from having to buy a new door?  Appreciate any input!

Paul Davis · Answer

Before buying a new door I would try to wipe the stain with its intended solvent and try to even out the door.

The thinking here is that by rubbing the area door with mineral spirits (Old Masters is an oil based stain) you can soften and spread out the stain. I would be pretty generous with the mineral spirits: you might need two small cans of it.

You want your cloth to be pretty saturated, and to cover an area, and then re-work it as the stain will take some time to soften. Obviously, wear gloves, and do this in a well ventilated area.

I bet you can work out a uniform appearance, and it won't be an insane amount of work.

There is some risk that this door could be slightly different in appearance (possibly both color and darkness) than the other door. If that is a major concern a new door is the most likely way to get it to match the other doors exactly.

Blotching like you've never seen before!

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