Staining birch ply

[Hammersh]

I want to stain some birch ply using danish oil with a colour tint. I know the finish can be blotchy if the oil is applied straight to the wood. Does anyone have any tips for a pre-treatment that would result in a better finish?

Thanks in advance

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

If you apply a very light first coat of oil it should help to reduce any blotchyness. Problem is people apply to heavy a first coat and don't allow sufficient drying time before applying the next.

Try a very light coat then leave to fully cure before cutting back and applying next coat.

Alternatively you could try applying a light coat of shellac as a base coat but I'm not sure how it would react with danish oil so try it on a scrap piece first. If no reaction the shellac will seal the wood and should avoid any blotching.