Ken,
Is the Alkanet spirit stain semi transparent (thin) when you put it on direct? If it is like the Mahogany stain I used, it would wash out the grain.
What I used to match my stock was 3 drops in about a tablespoon full of Pro custom/Mineral spirit 50/50 mix. I had a couple of coats of clear 50/50 mix already on the stock, so I tried the stain mixture a drop at a time, and was able to wipe it right off until I got the correct color with 3 drops.
Best,
Ithaca1
Bill
Yes, it's very thin. It doesn't hide the grain. Here's a Flues Field Grade that's in progress, still many more passes to go..
