10-17-2014, 06:26 PM
There are differing opinions on the subject, but I consider stain to be OK. If you can get the tones you want with the stain then go for it. I have done several finishes where all or part was stain and they look very nice. The main reason they used lacquer for toning was because it was faster in a production environment than multiple steps with stain.
John KK4ZLF
Lexington, KY
"illegitimis non carborundum"