Always stir your stain before staining since some of the color pigments can settle at the bottom of the can. And never shake your stain! 6.

Why should you not shake wood stain?

Wood is unpredictable, so test your stain color on an inconspicuous spot before you start staining the most visible parts of your project. Some ingredients in both stains and finishes settle over time, but shaking will only add unwanted bubbles—and may not mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Why does my deck stain look blotchy?

A piece of wood that unevenly absorbs wood stain will leave you with uneven wood stain marks. Brush a wood conditioner onto the plank you need to repair before you stain. Let it dry before you apply a coat of wood stain. Apply a new coat of stain to the area.