using soft wood sealer prior to staining

minchu

My daughter and her husband are renovating a cabin. She called me complaining that the soft wood sealer she applied to what she believes is either fir or hemlock failed to prevent a splochy or uneven stain. She said she followed the manufacturers instructions and applied Old Master stain and still had an unsightly stained surface. Maybe if she went to a heavier bodied stain like ZAR by UGL? I don't know. Your comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!