Some people argue that a pre-stain wood conditioner is not necessary and make your wood stain lighter but if you want smooth stain wood projects, we would not recommend missing this step. Types Of Pre-Stain Conditioner Stir Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process. Sanding. If you haven't already, sand your bare wood to at least 180 grit. It's important to sand with the grainand avoid over or under-sanding any one location - good sanding can prevent a lot of blotchiness! A pre-stain wood conditioners main job is to even out the absorption of your wood stain when applied, it does this by sealing the wood to create a more uniform coat no matter the wood density. Softwoods are more likely than hardwoods to become blotchy after applying conditioner since they have a less uniformed pore structure on the inside.

https://youtu.be/mDYn3dlV6_o?t=69 Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Should I use Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner? S1 E6 ( Season Finale) (https://youtu.be/mDYn3dlV6_o?t=69) Different types of wood conditioner You need to scrub the stain into the wood for it to adhere properly. You’ll be able to do that more effectively with a brush, which is also ideal for getting stains up off the ground where they might drip. Applying a pre-stain wood conditioner is simple and is not time intensive no matter the type of wood conditioner that you use.The stain should be allowed to sit for at least five minutes before wiping off. This allows the color to fully penetrate and dry into the wood. I recommend that the stain be applied in a generous amount and then left to sit for around 15 minutes before it is wiped off. If you wipe the stain off too soon, you will get less color penetration and intensity. It’s best to take your time when applying a stain because all of the hard work pays off in the end with a beautiful finish! The second thing about oil-based products is that you'll need mineral spirits to clean it up. For this reason, I recommend using a cheap foam brush that you can simply throw away when you're done. Water based wood conditioner To answer this question, it’s important to know what type of finish you want on your project and how durable it needs to be. If you want a clear finish, you won’t need a pre-conditioner because the color of your wood is not important. If you are using an oil-based stain or polyurethane, that will seep into the unfinished wood and give it depth. Apply a top coat. Protect your stained wood with a clear top coat. Stain by itself doesn't offer any protection against moisture, and may come off on your hands or clothing. If you are planning to stain some soft or hardwood in your DIY project then you might be wondering whether or not a pre-stain wood conditioner is necessary before the actual staining?

To help you avoid blotchy stained wood in your DIY we’ve put together a guide below which will discuss how this conditioner works, which wood needs this conditioner, how to apply it as well as some alternatives. How Does Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Work?

How do I prepare the wood for varnishing?

Now, let's learn the steps for applying wood conditioner. This section will give you the general guidelines, but each brand and type of pre-stain conditioner might have slightly different steps. Follow the instructions on the container - it saves more hassle than you think!

Many woodworkers ask if it’s necessary to apply a pre-stain wood conditioner to the wood surface before using a stain. This question is asked because pre-conditioners are typically clear liquids that are applied to the surface of unfinished wood. The goal of these products is not to color or change the color or texture of the wood. Its only purpose is to prepare the surface for staining. Test your complete finishing process before starting. The colour of stain is affected by variances in wood and deepened by the application of topcoat. If you don't use a pre-stain wood conditioner, your stain could end up looking blotchy, almost like someone spattered different amounts of stain in different areas.The effectiveness of wood conditioners varies based on the wood and the stain, so be sure to test before committing to an entire project. Do you sand after using wood conditioner?If desired, thin pre-stain with 10-15% General Finishes Extender to maximize flow and level, and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. Most store-bought wood conditioners give you a two hour window time between applying your conditioner and applying your main stain. If that’s what you want to achieve, then there isn’t any reason for applying a pre-conditioner. However, if you are using a water-based stain or want to achieve different colors in your project, then preconditioning is the only way that it will work. What Can You Use as A Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner? You can also use a mixture of wood glue, water-based clear finish and water to create what is called "glue-size." You may have noticed that wood glue prevents stain from soaking into the wood, which creates light spots at the joints that can seriously mess up your project.