[Tyson]

Yes, but it was still underwhelming.  I like the look of a chocolate walnut, I might as well go for the real thing....

[Peter J]

Did you pretreat before staining? I am told that shellac cut with mineral spirits makes an excellent pretreatment before staining birch.

Solvent for shellac is denatured alcohol...don't think you'd have much luck with mineral spirits. Best way I've found to get consistent color on birch, especially BB, is to tone it, either fog stain on or tint the top coats. This type of finishing is pretty standard for furniture makers.

[dvenardos]

My bad, that is correct. 

Solvent for shellac is denatured alcohol...don't think you'd have much luck with mineral spirits. Best way I've found to get consistent color on birch, especially BB, is to tone it, either fog stain on or tint the top coats. This type of finishing is pretty standard for furniture makers.