Answer
For mahogany before stain, sand with 180, then finish with 220. Keep the scratch pattern even.
Why it happens
Coarse scratches and uneven sanding absorb stain differently across the surface.
Recommended grit
Use 180 then 220 for most mahogany stain prep.
Wet or dry
Dry.
Success check
The surface color and scratch pattern look even before stain.
What to do
- Sand with the grain using 180 grit.
- Move to 220 for final stain prep.
- Clean dust from pores and edges.
- Apply stain only after the surface looks evenly sanded.
Avoid: Do not over-sand one area with fine grit and leave another area at a coarser scratch pattern.