Questions about using Transtint

Hi,

I'm just getting into refinishing rifles so I wanted to start small and redo my Marlin 60. Instead of messing up a k43 or a Polish Mauser. I bought a birch stock and while I was looking for ideas on how to finish it I came across the work the Milsurp Collector did on their CMP with the Birch Stock. After seeing their results I decided that was the route I wanted to go. The only thing is that I do not have an airbrush so I would have to put it on by hand. I have read that birch is one of the woods you need to be careful with because they have a tendency to blotch. I bought a small can of Minwax Prestain before I decided to go the Transtint path. Does anyone know if these two products would work together or have any other ideas? Thanks for any info.

Jeremy

If a wood has a lot of open pores or areas that are more likely to absorb more stain, it is best to use a sealer on the wood first. Then you can apply the stain and get even coverage. You can talk to people at paint stores, home centers or specialty wood working stores (best), to figure out what will work best.
john