"Blotchy" staining on back of peghead

[HogTime]

I stained first with TransTint Golden Amber and then Reddish Brown. Mixed the dye with water. The back of the maple peghead turned out really "blotchy". Is this for the same reason the desired stripes show up on the neck (and elsewhere)? I sanded up to 220 before staining. Would it help to re-sand and re-stain?

Thanks,

[sunburst]

Is this for the same reason the desired stripes show up on the neck (and elsewhere)?

Yes, differential grain direction. The general grain direction of the back of the peghead is different from the back of the neck, and is more likely to be more end-grain than other maple parts of the mandolin. End grain soaks up stain faster and thus darkens faster (and more) than side grain. Thorough sanding is about all you need to do to prepare the wood. If the "grain enhancement" that you have there is something you don't like, spraying the stain will give you a more even color, as will applying a sealer to the wood before staining.

BTW, I think it looks fine, and it will look fine under a finish.

[HogTime]

John,

Thanks for the explanation. I was initially inclined to leave it as is, but definitely will now that your experienced eye thinks it will look OK when finished. :)

Thanks,

[Keith Newell]

I have experienced this, the problem is too much stain mix and over saturation of the wood. You would do better doing several light coats and let them dry between them. You may be able so suck some of it out by saturating a rag with denatured alcohol and rubbing it a few time a few minutes apart on the area. Use a clean rag each time.
Keith