staining tasi oak/vic ash

[newport]

I've been watching these forums for a while and have learnt some great stuff, so i thought I'd ask a question of my own,

I have to stain tasi oak/vic ash? to match some cedar windows. The colour match is good but when I apply solvent based stain the grain in the tasi oak absorbs it more in some places than others, highlighting it and making it stand out from the cedar more than I would like.

Is there a way to stain tasi oak more evenly? What I'm after is to darken the tasi oak evenly and then apply a topcoat.
Should I be looking more to all-in-one stain & vanishes rather penetrating stains. Anyone have any advice for staining tasi oak?

Thanks

[markharrison]

I'm not an expert on finishing but blotching is not uncommon on many timbers. The accepted wisdom varies a bit but basically you need to apply a sealer coat of something so that the stain is more even.

The most often advised sealer is is a very thin shellac.