Stain on stair newel post

[alao]

I had my stair ballusters finished by a contractor and I'm staining the remaining newel posts by myself. The contractor provided me the instructions and materials: 1) antique white base x3-4 layers, 2) sanding sealer x3-4 layers, 3) stain colour x1 layer, 4) lacquer x1 layer. I've tried following these steps and allowing a full day for drying in between steps. However, I can't seem to replicate the smoothness and evenness of the finishing the contractor was able to do on the ballusters. My stain doesn't absorb well which leaves streaks and makes it look blotchy. Also the edges and crevices look darker than the flat surfaces. How can I fix this?

Thanks!

 

[Tpt life]

Did you sand after the sanding sealer? It is designed to fill the open grain so that color applied after absorbs more evenly. All the dark areas look like end grain. 

[alao]

I didn't sand after the sanding sealer. I'm not supposed to, is that right?

I feel like the stain isn't absorbing into the wood at all. The colour sits on top of the wood and I need to apply it evenly so it doesn't streak. Does that seem normal?

[drzaius]

I believe you're supposed to sand the sanding sealer.

[Chestnut]

Sounds like the contractor used an HVLP spray setup. That's how I'd do it. Or i'd have that contractor take care of the rest of the parts. He already has the equipment and supplies and achieves food results.

[Tpt life]

Always sand after sanding sealer. It’s in the name. It’s a quasi pore filler of sorts.