If you've ever tried staining wood and wound up with a blotchy finish, you have experienced understandable frustration. Blotches result from the various densities on the surface of the wood that's being stained. Here's a trick you'll appreciate. To get a more-even appearance when using oil stain, begin with a natural or clear coat. The clear finish will fill the softer, more porous areas of the surface. These areas of the wood will now accept stain more in keeping with the harder areas of the surface. And, you don't have to wait for the first coat to dry; once the clear coat has been spread, you can apply the stain coats. But remember that this technique applies only to oil staining. And that's the On The House tip for today.