spirit stains - "bleeding" problem

[Shay Vings]

First attempt at using the chestnut sample spirit stains shows I have a lot to learn!
On a piece of ash, the colours bled along the grain big time. Tried again with cellulose sanding sealer applied first but bleeding along the deeper grain pockets still noticeable.
Used a v small paintbrush but found the stain applied unevenly as the work was rotated by hand. Tried a bit of cloth and found my fingers looked better than the ash.

Please suggest/point me to basic hints and tips for this technique.

 

[johnny.t.]

With the open grain nature of Ash the colours will soak deeply into the open grain bits. I apply either by an air brush or cloth and keep some meths on hand to thin it, wet the timber first with it or remelt to blend after it has been applied.

JT

 

[DaveL]

Tried a bit of cloth and found my fingers looked better than the ash.

Buy yourself a box of 'rubber' gloves for use when appling stains an finishes, you hands will thank you for them.