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Wood can appear blotchy after staining due to uneven absorption, which happens when the wood has varying grain density. The denser the grain, the less the stain will be absorbed. This can cause the wood to appear uneven in color, with some areas darker than others. 

To prevent this issue, apply a wood conditioner before staining. Wood conditioners help to equalize the absorption of the stain, resulting in a more even finish. There are many different types of wood conditioners available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of wood you are staining.

When browsing the hardware store, you may wonder about wood putty versus wood filler. Wood putty is made with plastic adhesive, whereas wood filler is made from sawdust or wood products. 

The main difference is that people use wood filler to fix the interior portions of wood. Wood putty contains chemicals that could damage the inside of wood, so it's best for exterior sections. If the crack or hole goes into the middle of the lumber, it's the right product for the job.

Minor water damage on wood tables can be reversed fairly easily. You can remove stains and light surface damage with a sandblock, then repaint and re-varnish the wood surface. For swollen and rotten wood, you can cut away the damaged parts and use a wood filler as long as the affected area isn’t too much.

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.