I found this forum while doing some internet research on ways to stain maple.
We're building a new house, and my wife just had to have maple cabinets. You know how this goes.
The interior doors are hollow core birch, and we're currently installing maple baseboards and trim. I'm building the house with the help of an old friend that is a professional homebuilder.
I'm familiar with the problems staining maple. I've read on here that it is often best handled with dyes, etc. This will obviously be a big job, and something I would much rather begin with a stain, seal, finish routine. I've tested a few stains, and have found a couple that stain pretty well without the splotching, although they are not quite as dark as I had been shooting for.
My big questions are:
Any recommendations on stains that go on well, without resorting to a dye first?
Would it be better to put on with my Titan airless, or an air compressor setup? The airless is great to use, but the cleanup wears me out.
Other tips for a big project like this? I've been telling my carpenter/partner I'd like to hire it out, but he keeps telling me he thinks I could do it, and save alot of money. I am on a tight budget.
Thanks for any help.