To be clear, I'm talking about solvent and water-based penetrating stains, not exterior semi-transparent stains, gel ... wood and restaining. If you try to brush a finish onto a surface stain ...

Fixing a blotchy appearance may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can salvage the project and achieve a smooth, flawless finish. Blotchy wood ... stain, a water-based, or a gel stain.