grain filling and water dyes

I'm playing with water dyes at the moment and am having some trouble with the grain raising, even after sanding to 400.

The trouble is that when the grain raises, it is not dyed under the raised part, giving a 'blotchy' look.

I'm using a scrap of Tas Oak.

Should I fill the grain, and if so, can I use a mix of Talc and 'something?' for this?

Other then grain filling, is the solution to put more work into the sanding, as well as to go a little finer?

My copy of the "Polishing Handbook" is packed up somewhere at the moment .... can someone advise on the grain filler recepie?

Thanks in advance.....

Found it ..... amazing what you get with a bag of Talc from Ubeaut.... instructions and recepies! :rolleyes:

Are you raising the grain first before applying the dye?

If not, finish sand your piece to 240.
With a damp rag, wet the area your are to stain making sure it all gets damp.
Let dry and then go over it lightly again with 240 (or whatever grit you last used).
To make 100% sure, repeat this 2-3 times or until the grain stops raising.

note: don't sand too heavily after each grain raising step, otherwise you could go on forever.......if you want;) :D

Thanks mate.
No, I wasn't doing that. I'll give the next piece a go as you suggest.