I have a customer who sanded existing aussie cypress, water popped the floor with a towel then used duraseal quick coat dark walnut, before finishing he noticed rag marks all over the floor, (stop&start marks) from the water popping process.
What is the problem?
What is the solution?

1. more than likely its more in the sanding/water popping than actually staining itself. If you water pop you have to be careful to get a nice even amount across the floor and no one should be on the floor . using a towel he probably got more water in some areas than others uneven pop = uneven stain, inconsistent sanding pattern = uneven stain. its also a wood i have never seen stained, that in itself leads me to believe its not a good candidate for stain like many other oily woods.
2.resand

Thank you for the reply, you confirmed my concern