Because of its combination of soft and harder wood pine tends to absorb stain at different rates or amounts which can cause blotching and uneven staining.
Pine wood clear finish.
Here are some guidelines.
A dye is a colourful molecule dissolved in a solvent transparent so wood shows through it.
The best finish for pine is polyurethane and epoxy products gel stains and oil based or latex paints followed by clear topcoats such as varnish or shellac.
Orbital sanders leave swirl marks that make the stained surface look muddy.
To minimize this it s best to seal the wood prior to staining.
Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant making them the best clear coat for wood protection.
Clear don t bring out the figure of pine as well as tung oil and don t seal wood well against humidity changes either.
However they do take a good polish if applied thick scraped smooth then polished with a buffer loaded with rottenstone.
They provide a natural appearance with a variety of satin semi gloss and glossy sheens and are ideal for kitchen cabinets doors furniture and floors but not recommended for outdoor use.
Sealing will help prevent the softer wood from absorbing extra stain.
Sand with a block.
Which types of these to use will often depend on what the wood is being used for.