qt Minwax 10821 Classic Gray Wood Finish Water-Based Solid Color Stain

Having used Minwax forever, i bought the "New" water based stain and had it tinted. (staining SW Yellow pine to crimson) This new stain is really thick. A stir stick will stand up in it. I don't like it. 1. A lot of product is left on the wood and wiping off the excess is a gooey job. Applying Less stain doesn't seem to work. 2. I finished my second coat and still do not have the deep color that i'm used to getting. (Normally a 2 coat application using the "old" thinner stain) 3. Going back for a third coat. At this rate, i'm using more stain and that increases cost. 4. Using a brush wasn't very good. It's thick and a brush leaves narrow rivers of stain that won't lay down. 5. A sponge was better, but #1 above 6. Cloth didn't work at all. The stain seemed to dry and get tacky while i was applying thin coats. OK, so maybe i need to get used to it...i'll finish this project (2 drawer chest - new build) and add a review as a follow up. Right now, court's out and i'd hold off on recommending this

I purchased this stain for refinishing a Pottery Barn entry table. Of course I spent 2 full days stripping, sanding, prepping for stain, and removed all dust. The first coat was very uneven, if product is left on too long it will remove the color. I did figure out that I was able to get it ok by filling in areas with the second coat. But there are spots where the product has piled up and looks terrible. I am now going to have to go purchase very fine grain sandpaper to assist with this issue. If that doesn't work I plan to go over this with some oil based stain which is probably what I should have done in the first place. This table would have been finished already had I not opted to try this product.