We just installed Fibertec windows which have a maple veneer on the inside. Anyone here have experience staining them? I've read quite a bit about challenges staining maple (not specifically Fibertec's). Stain can apparently look "blotchy". due to variations in the grain of the wood.

I've also read suggestions to use dye products instead of stain.

The maple may become a bigger issue if we decide to use it for interior doors and trim.

Thanks for the help,
Greg

p.s. I also posted this on the windows forum but decided here was better since it is more of a staining question than a window question.

Staining maple is always difficult, if you are trying to achieve a nice uniform look. Here is how we do it...

-Spray stain material a little lighter than desired finished
-Even out blotchy areas and bring to desired finish using a tinted laquer
-apply clear finish once desired look is acheived.

I know this sounds over simplified, I think I am lucky to have a good painter that is capable of this. I have used maple on other projects with poor results. The other painters response was 'its maple, maple is always blotchy'.

You can good a good finish out of maple if you have a good painter/Stainer.

Are you spraying your stain or wiping by hand?

From the vintage Telecaster world... tinted shellac is often used for color on the maple neck. It can be left as the final finish, buffed out like a French polish, or nitrocellulose lacquer can be applied over it. Some however just use tinted lacquer. Alternately, shoe polish is often used over a clear lacquer or polyurethane finish, rubbing it in with a soft cloth until desired color is achieved. But spraying and rubbing are the usual application method for any of the above.

Have you thought about using a wood conditioner? It helps the wood absorb the stain more evenly. My father in law used it on some hardwood cabinets with good results, but I wouldn't blindly use it for your application without testing a piece first though.

Have you considered clear coating the maple i did this with all my trim and interior doors and it looks great .Realy shows off the grain of the wood

If you clear-coat it the color will definitely yellow over time (not necessarily a bad thing), even more depending on whether it gets any UV rays.