The colours shown in colour cards are as close as can be produced within the limitations of the photographic and printing process. The colour of transparent and semi-transparent products is always affected by the colour of the underlying timber and the variant in the wood grain. Hence, a test patch on an off-cut of your timber is always recommended to ensure you are happy with the final colour. If overspread too far, the colour will be weaker and lighter, while extra coats make the colour darker and stronger.
When correcting colour variation, once on the timber, the only options are:
1. Cover up the difference with a darker stain or opaque finish, OR,
2. Remove the stain by sanding or stripping