I have a plank of hardwood poplar, and I want to have a piece of decorative trim along the edge made of a different wood (probably just pine, or maybe balsam). Is there anything I can do to get a stain that will give the same shade on both woods? A specific brand, style, coloring, or way of applying? Or should I purposefully get two different stains (one light, one dark) to aesthetically set the pieces apart?
Update: Final Result
Best Answer
The finish color is dependent on two things...the stain, and the substrate (well, and some other variables as well...such as application method, length of time before you wipe it, how many coats, etc.). You can't use one stain on two substrates and expect a match anymore than you would expect finding a match with two different stains on one piece of wood.
So, I think the best you can do is stain one using the stain you want, then get scrap wood of the other material and start a trial-and-error process looking for a stain that will result in the match you want.
Alternatively, use the same species of wood for both parts, or consider going for a purposeful contrast between the two woods.