Drying, Finishing and Adhesives Wood Technology

Cedar Siding Stain Surprise: Unraveling the Unexpected

A homeowner applied a water-based latex semi-transparent stain to their newly installed cedar siding, expecting the wood’s natural color to show through. However, after the stain dried, the siding appeared significantly darker than anticipated, almost obscuring the wood grain entirely.

Which one of the following, if true, LEAST helps to explain this unexpected outcome?