Sraining end grain Alder.

[Jerry Marcantel]

I'm building a bunch of Alder raised panel doors, and sanding the end grain to 180. The stain I'm using is Minwax Red Mahogany. It looks pretty good on the surface grain, but when it gets into the end grain, it turns black. Does anyone know if this is the stain I'm using, or just the character of Alder???? I can't assemble the doors until I can figure this out..... Comments welcome..... Jerry (in Tucson) (PS, I owned and operated a woodshop since 1978, and don't remember Alder as being a problem with stains)

[Kent A Bathurst]

Characteristic of end grain. Any species; any dye; any stain.

End grain is very "thirsty". My suggestion: Sand the end grain to 320 or 400. You are trying to "burnish" the wood. Then, a couple-three swipes of 1# dewaxed shellac to partially seal it. Light swipe with 400g or 600 g to just smooth out the shellac seal coat.

You shoudl be good to go.