Refinishing wood

[CJ]

It may very well be the pre-stain you used. I've used it before years ago but stopped using it. The idea is it pre-impregnates the wood and allows the softer pulp to become partially saturated so it doesn't over absorb the stain and discolor it, also it prevents stain from absorbing too quickly and streaking. Honestly, the pre-stain seems to cause the stain NOT to absorb enough and results in even more streaking. I haven't used it in the last 5 years and I've been happy with all of my wood work. Be careful using steel wool on blonde woods, if it gets trapped in the stain or poly coating it can rust and look like hell.