Minwax® | How to Apply Oil-based & Water-based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Follow our step-by-step guide for using Minwax® Oil-based and Water-based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to create the best surface for staining. Use on bare wood to prevent streaks and blotches and even out stain absorption. Learn more at bit.ly/3hGmx3e.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Richard, thanks for reaching out. If it has been three days since the Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner was applied, we recommend sanding with 220 grit paper to help reopen the pores, wiping down and then starting the process again of applying the Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and following with the stain 2 hours after. This will allow for the product to soak in again and give you the best results. Let us know if you have any other questions. Hope this helps!

[@puffkat68]

Great products. Gel stain has changed my projects so much.

[@MinwaxUSA]

So glad you're lovin' it!

[@Defstomp]

One can of your wayer based pre stain says nothing about sanding after applying. Further on in fine print, it says that it's not recommended for water based stains!? So wtf is it good for?

[@lisademayo8589]

hey Minwax? After the product is applied and has dried, HOW LONG do you wait to apply your stain? Does it have to be done immediately? Or can i do it a few hours later or next day? I saw something below about applying the stain inside an hour or two?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi, Lisa! Thanks for reaching out. We recommend applying the stain within 2 hours of Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. You can learn more here: www.minwax.com/en/products/preparation/pre-stain-wood-conditioner#accordion-919436ffb1-item-a6ac8c8c11. Hope this helps! 🙌

[@shirleybender]

Can I use this on my floors?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Shirley, yes you can use our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner on floors to help get an even stain. If you have any questions or need any tips, feel free to reach out us here; www.minwax.com/en/contact.

[@95Eg6SoCal]

Can I use this oil based conditioner with another brand’s stain?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Fern! Our pre-stain condition is a great start for any stain, but our formulas do work best together.

[@95Eg6SoCal]

@@MinwaxUSA Thanks! 👍🏼

[@daveforgot127]

Better to use each mfg. and not co-mingle.

[@YaBoiSheen2779]

So, it seems I wasn’t looking when I chose the pre stain conditioner, and I got oil based conditioner when I had water based stain. Would that still work? I know it’s gonna affect the results, but to what extent?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi there, Shane. Not to worry! As long as your conditioner is completely dry before you apply your stain, you're good to go!

[@YaBoiSheen2779]

@@MinwaxUSA that’s a relief. Just so I know, how long should I wait before staining the wood? Should I sand the wood before proceeding?

[@MinwaxUSA]

We appreciate your inquiry. Please allow 15 minutes for the Prestain to dry. If you haven't applied the stain within two hours of using the Prestain, you'll need to lightly sand the surface with 150-180 grit sandpaper to open up the pores. After sanding, you can proceed to apply the stain. We hope this helps, Shane!

[@YaBoiSheen2779]

@@MinwaxUSA that very much did! I just tested it on a piece of scrap wood, and it worked!

[@MinwaxUSA]

We're glad to hear that, Shane! Reach out if there's anything else that we can help you with!

[@richardcarpenter154]

What happens if you waited 3 days before I stain

[@richardcarpenter154]

What would happen if I waited 3 days before I put on stain

[@craftman5632]

You do not have to sand after you put the water base wood conditioner on, skip that part the only sanding that needs to be done is between applications on your poly finish, and put your wood stain on and then after your stain dry for 24 hours apply a satin polyurethane finish allow that finish to completely dry for 2 hours and lightly sand the finish, then reapply the poly a second time, sand and repeat for a third time if you wish.

[@Defstomp]

Your water based pre stain cans have varying directions. Why is that?

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hello , thanks for reaching out! We recommend you call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-523-9299 as they will be able to explain this further for you. Thanks!

[@daveforgot127]

Terrible you won't explain here.@@MinwaxUSA

[@tomacquilano1304]

What if I don't get the stain on within 2 hours? Should I re-apply the conditioner? I was working on a door and didn't get to the other side in time.

[@MinwaxUSA]

Hi Tom, You will need to lightly sand the surface with 150-180 grit sandpaper first and once you have it sanded you can then apply the stain. Please note you should not reapply the conditioner.

[@tomacquilano1304]

@@MinwaxUSA Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately I already re-applied the conditioner. Sanded with 400 grit first and then applied the poly shades espresso gloss. I found the poly shades difficult to apply. The brush strokes were almost impossible to eliminate vs using a rag. Not really happy with the final result but too late now. I spent hours prepping this door for refinishing. It's an old single panel door from the 20's.

[@MinwaxUSA]

The Polyshades should be applied with a natural bristle brush and should not be applied with a rag. If you have questions in regards to the overall application of the Polyshades, please contact us directly at [e-mail] or 1-800-523-9299 so we can walk you through the steps of how to get a smooth finish. Thank you.

[@tomacquilano1304]

@@MinwaxUSA Thank you, I did use a soft bristle brush. I also watched a few videos about applying the product.

[@Defstomp]

Hello