Yeah, that fuzzy grain is the worst. I had the same thing happen on a maple table leg last year. @karen_sanchez49 is right about oil based finishes, they really do seal the grain better. What grit did you sand to before you applied the stain? I found going up to 320 and using a pre-stain conditioner made a huge difference for me.

Missing that human touch" is so real, I once asked a librarian for help and then realized I was just standing at a printer.

Been there, it's the worst.

My sister told me last week she just needed to vent, not get advice. I listened for twenty minutes, then asked what her next move was. She said talking it out gave her the answer. Sometimes the fix is just helping them find their own way out.

Yeah, murphy.mason, that "practical choice" thing... my uncle's clear fence just showed everyone his ugly garden.