Has anyone run into this problem before? We are trying to stain alder cabinets and countertops and the stain samples that my painter is giving me all look dingy and dirty under the stain… also blotchy. They used a wood conditioner and a satin top coat after the water -based stain, and are telling me this is just how alder takes stain. That the blotchiness and the “dirty” look are just the nature of the wood. But this can’t be. I have seen beautiful light stains before that are not “dingy” looking. Is this an issue with the wood conditioner? Or the stain color itself? Is this an issue with using water based stain rather than oil based? Any tips or advice would be appreciated!