Watch This Before Buying Pre-Stain Conditioner for Woodworking Projects

[@731Woodworks]

More woodworking tips and tricks here kzbin.info/aero/PLWVlC66wUw8YQwF4QEfwgxh45ZcrJIE8y

[@Silent-G]

How many subscribers did you have before you could do affiliate links?

[@731Woodworks]

No limit for affiliate links

[@ALZ2526]

I sold my first project thanks to your advice thanks a lot

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@Jonfernandez91]

What was it

[@ALZ2526]

Desk for kids

[@electricfetus100]

I am looking to come up with a few different wood project products. Matt's examples and advice is the best . I learned so much more from him than any other in just 4 videos

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@lynborchert7823]

I love learning about things I didn't know about that improve my results. Thanks for another great tip Matt!

[@731Woodworks]

Happy to help!

[@ChrisFranklyn]

One of the few youtubers who actually speaks fast enough and I don't have to speed up the video :) Is there anything other than a purpose made pre-stain formula you can use, like a sanding sealer?

[@731Woodworks]

I’ve read that you can mix varnish with mineral spirits but I’ve never tried it

[@electricfetus100]

That's for damn sure ! Matt gets right to it

[@russmartin4189]

Absolutely correct Matt. I used a half can of prestain conditioner today, before applying Honey Maple gel to Maple veneered plywood. I am certain it would not come out evenly if I didn't use this. I would attach a picture, which are excellent, by the way, if I could, but since i can't, you will have to believe me that it makes wood look great. NEVER stain without Minwax Prestain Conditioner. This is what I like about you. You tell them what they need to know, no extra BS. Matt will get you up and running fast. Watch all his vids. Make money with your tools and Matt's know how.

[@731Woodworks]

I appreciate that Russ!

[@russmartin4189]

I learned about Pre Stain Conditioner from watching the Wood Whisperer. I also learned you don't need to wait for 30 minutes, I put it on, wait five minutes, and wipe it off. I'm getting very even results.

[@cheeto.1]

New to Channel and Im hooked. I been binge watching. Motivated me to clean my garage out and I bought a pocket hole jig yesterday. I run my own handyman business in Fl for 6 years now. It’s gonna be a nice change to come home and do some projects for myself. I wanna make me one of them old glory 🇺🇸 1st.

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@michaellucas1924]

Matt has really inspired me as well. Take a look at the project I have been working on thanks to his videos. 🇺🇸 @37040woodworks on Twitter and Instagram

[@russmartin4189]

I have a ton of Kreg stuff. That pocket jig is a life changer. Now you can make stuff you wouldn't before.

[@modernpestcontrol7065]

Thanks for the example. Glad I bought pre stain yesterday. Looks way better

[@731Woodworks]

It works well

[@angesomt4641]

thank you for your help. I was just thinking about staining my woods

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it helped

[@raytower5041]

Love 731 Woodworks!!!!!!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Yep...I use it. Cheers!

[@TheBeardedOutdoorsman18]

Great video and this is a great product. Hey had seen in the store before but had never tried until watching your videos. I will not be staining without it now!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@jimrobinsfamily8734]

I love the information that you give us. Thanks.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it helps!

[@arimadx]

Well dang man! You've sold me on this stuff👍🏻

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome. It’s good stuff

[@Goose8219]

Oh yeah pre stain goes along way. I like the pre stain form Minwax and General Finish vs. Varataine . I have noticed a difference when applying the stain color. Good lil way to break in the coffee mug. 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome thanks 👊🏻

[@guitarstru]

When I use a water style before I stain, it gives the wood a better look like the conditioner that you use. Had a dear friend show me that before he passed. You get some good results from doing that.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@zeel4550]

Ive seen many videos just using water and it looks just as good

[@richardcoleman1018]

Thanks, I’ve wondered if it was worth it. Now I know.

[@richardfowler3254]

I am just about to stain the top of my first "Copy" project inspired by your channel. I am doing something custom but based on one of your projects. I went to the Orange Box today and they do not carry the Minwax line any longer so I went with the Varithane. I am planning on staining tomorrow after the glue dries and a final sanding, thank for the inspiration 👊 back at cha'

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome. Let us know how it turns out

[@theresacurrin6395]

Thanks for these short videos! Very helpful information 🤜🏻

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@isaactungate6669]

Did my own test, just putting water on it before works just as good!

[@stewarttrains98]

I bought one of these several months ago and after getting frustrated as it wouldn't hold my Ryobi saw fairly secure i sat it in the corner of my cave. Well laying in bed the solution came to me on how to get it fairly secure on the saw. I took out the pointed set screws and replaced them with bolts. It held much better than before and more confident in the tool now.

[@731Woodworks]

good deal

[@AB_in_CO]

Definitely going to get a can and try it out!

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@pteddie6965]

This is a great product.

[@731Woodworks]

For sure. Did you get the mallet?

[@pteddie6965]

@@731Woodworks Good Morning, Matt. Yes, I did receive the mallet several days ago. I apologize that I did not acknowledge that. I will send you a picture of my granddaughter, Samantha holding it. Sam is the light of my life and must supervise everything that I do.

[@tonybacon6277]

Good info. Adding this to my staining steps.

[@multis]

Thanks for the tip!

[@731Woodworks]

You’re welcome

[@auburneverything980]

Good job Your experience shows 👍

[@rumpple4skin976]

great vid. I always use this stain and most of there products

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@jamesbramlett392]

Fellow Arkansan! 🎉

[@billj5645]

It works for me. I think it is pretty much essential when staining pine, maybe less so with hardwoods. Always experiment on scrap pieces of wood first. Sometimes it limits how dark your stain will be, you might have to buy a darker stain.

[@alexherman1987]

Thanks for the video!!!

[@731Woodworks]

You’re welcome

[@cthulhuhead]

I tried to use pre stain conditioner on some birch plywood. All I can think based on the results are that my plywood had some kind of invisible to the eye contaminant because I ended up with some seriously unappealing color variation patches. On the plus side, the dark stain made very interesting inverted wood grain pattern (growth rings much lighter than the stain).

[@731Woodworks]

It would be interesting to know what caused the issue

[@chadbingham8069]

I have used it on birch plywood too. I had strange spots once, couldn't figure out what they were. Did a few experiments and found out if wood-filler touched the ply it will sorta "bleach" it. It is sensitive enough that I just left a fingerprint once and it was enough. You can't see it either until after the stain. Probably not what you saw, but thought I would mention it.

[@731Woodworks]

Wood glue does the same thing

[@Raiderboy2155]

Have you used sanding sealer? I was taught to use it after staining to seal and prep for finish coats.

[@731Woodworks]

Never heard of it.

[@Raiderboy2155]

It’s a clear coat that when dried leaves a rough feel to the wood as it sticks up loose wood fibers. Come back with a high grit sand paper to lightly knock it back real smooth so the finish goes on better and more even.

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome

[@originalkronoz]

Love your info keep up the good work

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@jamesmcdougal4814]

Have you ever tried Charles Neil pre stain conditioner? It's expensive, but it's the best I've ever used

[@731Woodworks]

I haven't. May have to give it a try

[@wizardwillbonner]

Never heard of it before, thanks for the heads up.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad to help

[@MrGeroth]

Thanks

[@731Woodworks]

You’re welcome

[@mikeadams2677]

Glad I seen this before I started my first time ever staining wood. Just wish I'd known it while I was at Big Orange buying the stain. Am I better off to stain my wood before assembly of my projects or is it just preference?

[@731Woodworks]

I stain before if it’s two toned (painted / stained) but if it’s all stained I stain it all at once usually

[@mikeadams2677]

@@731Woodworks I thought about two tone on this project, but I thought I better just stick with one color being this is my first time doing it.

[@steveklimes568]

Your awesome. Thank you

[@731Woodworks]

lol thanks

[@josephm7413]

Always enjoy your videos. Question if i prestain and then stain do ihave to sand aga8nto tske put the wpod tjat has poped up??

[@731Woodworks]

i've not had the pre stain pop the grain.

[@jimstewart1044]

Used the pre stain just this weekend(because of your recommendation). It looks great! Thank you. I was curious, if someone put in the pre stain and a few hours went by before they could stain..... should they reapply?

[@731Woodworks]

If it’s multiple hours I would reapply a very light coat of it

[@bobnicholas5994]

I am getting more serious about my wood working. Painting and staining are my least favorite things to do. My wife is an engineer and of course she bought prestain for kitchen cabinets we built and they look good. So I am going to see. Lol

[@731Woodworks]

Let us know how you like it

[@janbrewington7771]

Got it. Why use the pre stain conditioner. Thank you.

[@731Woodworks]

You’re welcome

[@inclinedesigns]

Great video, I will do this on my next project

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@irvinwittmeier5208]

I am glad it workers for you i personally like the darker blotchy look !;-)

[@731Woodworks]

It has its place for sure. Depends on the project. Thanks.

[@hamb7260]

Please NEVER shake the can of stain or any paint in general due to causing excessive bubbling in the stain. Use a stir stick.

[@hjboots]

Great video, helps me with what to do when staining my projects. Thank for sharing. P.S. Is Elvis around?

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@saraneustaeter7616]

Is water base laquear better than oil base or what is the difference thanks

[@731Woodworks]

Here is a good article on that www.popularwoodworking.com/american-woodworker-blog/q-a-water-based-vs-oil-based-polyurethane/

[@ares310]

What are some light stain options that you've found that work best?

[@731Woodworks]

Special Walnut works well. We use a gray stain that is good. Really any Minwax stains are good.

[@homehobbybuilds2450]

Quick question for you Matt. After applying 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane clear finish on a table top, how would you recommend your clients properly and efficiently clean that table top without ruining the integrity and appearance of the table top?

[@731Woodworks]

I clean mine with a damp rag. Lysol or other disinfect cleaners are good too and shouldn’t hurt the finish.

[@homehobbybuilds2450]

Great. Thank you. If only Lysol and other disinfectants weren't such in demand right now. LoL

[@731Woodworks]

lol

[@pablop7872]

I have two decks and I need to match colors since the hare two different types of wood. I check on Amazon these specific brand and said apply pre stain , then the colors of your choice, and finally fast drying polyurethane? I’m considerer sanding first to do a better project. All these four steps are necessary to do? Seems like a lot of work, for a deck project. Thank you.

[@daxd8358]

Thank you for to the point easy to follow video . Suggestion , you have enough power tool experience to do how to use power tools.Yes,there are on KZbin already and you have disclaimers yet it your vast experience and teaching ability to your subscribers, look forward to it ,

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you for the ideas.

[@rosemaryflee]

Is it good to use prior to using gel stain on non stained wood as well?

[@pvpv6969]

Should I use it on butcher block before I stain?

[@731Woodworks]

Wouldn’t hurt it

[@deandee8082]

try an amber or honey stain, then a bright color on hardwood like flame or quilt

[@alfredtorres2724]

do you have to stain the wood right away after sanding

[@3rockranch]

Do you apply it before doing a second coat as well or just on the first one?

[@731Woodworks]

Just the first

[@tpatrickm1]

Once you stain with it, you'll never stain without it.

[@731Woodworks]

no doubt

[@maggie3423]

Hi, I’m new doing wood projects and I have a question. Can i use oil based wood stain over water based pre-stain wood conditioner? Thank you.

[@731Woodworks]

I'm not sure about that

[@philipweidnersr]

I’ve heard it’s better to stir than to shake like you did. Do you notice air bubbles in the pre stain/stain and do you think that would make a difference on the stain itself?

[@731Woodworks]

That’s referring to your clear coats. Pre stain and stains are perfectly okay to shake.

[@patrickhenry240]

If your stain is old you might want to stir and shake to loosen the sediment in the bottom.

[@731Woodworks]

True

[@mybreakingpoint]

Do you have any experience with using sanding sealer, then pre stain, then water based tintable stain? Was thinking the sealer to keep the boards safe while stored (in Missouri so high humidity), when ready for project, gently sand sealer off then burn to elevate the grain, then pre stain, then apply water based stain to color. Just wondering if you had any input. Thanks for everything you share, I have enjoyed learning from your experiences. Keep up the great work!

[@731Woodworks]

Sorry, I’ve never used sanding sealer

[@pokeysdad17]

i am finishing maple flooring. i have oil based stain. home depot says i can use water based poly on the stain if i wait 24 hrs so it's good and dry. true? if i use wood conditioner, should i use water base or oil base? thank you.

[@chadvartanian9125]

You can use gel stain as well. It eliminates blotching with the xtra step of conditioner.

[@731Woodworks]

Cool thanks

[@chadvartanian9125]

731 Woodworks Love the work you’re doing brotha!! Keep it up, god bless!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you 👊🏻

[@TheBANDIT990]

Does this work on outdoor furniture? 🪑 I know weather will take its toll, I do live in the PNW.

[@731Woodworks]

Sure but this isn’t a sealer or top coat

[@TheBANDIT990]

731 Woodworks maybe you could cover something like that??

[@731Woodworks]

@@TheBANDIT990 thanks for the idea

[@David88375]

Question, after I apply stain after it’s really rough the fibers start To pop! Which I totally understand, have a customer that just wants just the stain no polyurethane, I heard if you add water first a little then sand then add the stain it won’t pop anymore? Or sand after stain very little!! What’s your thoughts?

[@731Woodworks]

I would spray it with water then sand. That should do it. That’s how you do cutting boards before oil is applied

[@David88375]

731 Woodworks thank you! Do you ever do this? besides cutting boards ?

[@David88375]

731 Woodworks like to ask another question I need help on, the other day making two end table for my wife I stained them and noticed these horrible swirl marks in my wood!!! Omg that is so frustrating I looked it up and happens to be I am pressing to hard and going to fast??? Can you help With this I happen to do two end table with poly and I may need to strip it all down... or maybe leave it? Lesson learned

[@731Woodworks]

Yeah it comes from sanding with too much pressure. Only way to fix it is to sand it back down unfortunately. Unless your paint it

[@terrmaso]

So I am curious. You said construction grade lumber. I often use recycled wood and pallet wood for many projects. I have never had issues with blotchy stain. Could it be the lumber quality? I always vacuum and wipe down my wood with mineral spirits or water after sanding, how do you prep yours? Could the stain be old? Again, just curious. I like to dig and find answers if I can. Keel up the great work.

[@731Woodworks]

I think you are accomplishing basically the same thing as pre-stain conditioner when you wipe with mineral spirits. Next time you stain, use a scrap piece and don't wipe it but stain it and compare it to what you've wiped down with mineral spirits and see if that makes a difference.

[@caroldumas8337]

can i use conditioner after it has a coat of stain on if a sand it down

[@bRad96699]

great video matt. i was hoping you would use one of my ideas for a video :) how about some reviews on tools or even differences between blades and what differences they make.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for the continued ideas. I have a new tool review in the works! Stay tuned

[@bRad96699]

@@731Woodworks any time bud. ill be keeping tuned for sure. keep em coming

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you

[@michaellucas1924]

Matt, do you use the pre stain conditioner on the flags you make? What does the pre stain do if you use it after burning the wood for a rustic flag look?

[@731Woodworks]

Never used it after burning. On my water based stains used on the flags, I don’t use it.

[@bruceregittko7068]

731 Woodworks - I use Minwax water based pre-stain before using water based stain on pine/spruce. I’m too timid to not use it and too lazy to test.

[@jennifertemple710]

I sanded and prestige and still have blotches in some spots

[@drew2180]

Is there a noticeable different on lighter stains as well? I figured you used Dark Walnut just to really show the difference but with a lighter stain like Early American, do you get as much of that darker staining on non-conditioned wood?

[@731Woodworks]

You can see the blothyness with lighter and darker stains

[@TL-ki2rz]

Tyson Fury is a handy man? That's awesome!

[@731Woodworks]

thank you

[@siiNke]

Cant find this in europe..

[@carlos1000rr]

Do you recommend a light sanding after the pre-stain?

[@731Woodworks]

No, I don’t sand after pre staining.

[@johnregan8796]

Matt, are most stains oil based and do you recommend oil based stains?

[@adamgilligan3688]

Ok I really like these videos and I am going to subscribe but I am not sure if I can ever do any of these projects.

[@731Woodworks]

Sure you can! Start small and work your way up. You got this!

[@koczor1987]

What grit do you sand to before staining pine?

[@731Woodworks]

120 grit is as high as I go

[@jillianharte5178]

Can I use that specific can with any stain? I see it's an oil-based wood conditioner. What's the difference between Oil base & Water base wood conditioner? I NEVER used a wood conditioner. IDK what to buy 🙏. You see I have tons of wood and my daughter's school (Our Lady of Grace is having a $6k fundraiser and I can contribute by making stuff to raffle or sell or whatever, but never made a finished looking piece before. So I guess I need a wood conditioner so people will buy. Can you assist? I'm going make several signs, boxes (for centerpieces), and I want to make the 8th-grade gift to the school your Hebrew's 6:19 bench (thanks for the idea) 😁 All the wood I will use for this fundraiser is pine & I have plywood. The stains I have on hand are: Rustoleum with&without Polypropylene, Varathane, 1 Varathane Gel (didn't like result w/o pre-stain, few Pittsburgh, Cabot, couple Minwax (not my go-to).

[@731Woodworks]

Yes

[@jillianharte5178]

@@731Woodworks thankx! 😁🙏

[@keithwoodcrest]

I'm having a heck of a time, man. My stains keep coming out horrible lately. I've been pre-conditioning, always do, and I just don't know what's happening. It looks like I'm either staining too early or too late - but I'm waiting the amount of time it says on both cans that I've tried (Minwax says 5-15 minutes and Varathane says 30). It doesn't matter what I do, how many different things I try - it still comes out washed out and muted looking. I've tried like 5 different sets of test pieces the last week and still success. And this is after months of having no problems. Have you ever gotten a bad can of conditioner? Or stain itself? Because other than that, I don't know what else could be going on. It's driving me nuts

[@731Woodworks]

I haven't but I would certainly get a new can of each and see if that is it. I'd like to know the cause myself

[@magyarka1]

Please tell me ,the Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, is oil based or water based ?

[@731Woodworks]

I’m not sure.

[@CD-hc5ds]

Hey Matt Does it matter if your using oil or water base stain?

[@ocraider3697]

Yes, if you are oil based stain, do not get wood wet with water.

[@chadbingham8069]

Pre stain for both water based and oil based? Should I use a different pre stain for each?

[@731Woodworks]

If I was using water based stains, I would use a water based pre-stain. Minwax has one here www.amazon.com/Minwax-618514444-Water-Based-Stain-Conditioner/dp/B00GMEH72W/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=water+based+pre+stain&qid=1600862659&sr=8-5

[@carlottachavez9101]

What do you do if you left on pre stain on your wood to long and it’s now sticky?

[@GregoryKThomas]

Do you recommend using the pre-stain conditioner after a slight Shou Sugi Ban style burn? When I build my flags sometimes the SYP doesn't take stain too well and I have to apply several coats.

[@731Woodworks]

I would test it on a scrap piece and see. I think it'll work nicely for you.

[@hurricanestrouds2141]

Awesome information Matt! I would have never guessed pre-stain made that big of difference. I’m just starting my KZbin channel. How do you pick like in your other videos how much information to put in a video such as tricks and so forth. I feel like Ive been put wait to much little information in mine.

[@731Woodworks]

I’m not sure I have a process lol. When editing if it seems like I’m rambling I edit it out.

[@Shrubhumper]

Video idea for ya, you should compare minwax pre stain against Varathane pre stain and see if there is a difference.

[@731Woodworks]

I like the idea! Thanks

[@orkestriusmusic839]

You're awesome man! Thanks for everything you do and teach us

[@MrSeaneboy]

Question of the day. I go to the lumber yard and buy 2X stock. Guy tells me to protect it from the weather but keep it outside to prevent warpage. Fine, makes sense. Move ahead, I need the wood now so I move it into the shop. What method do I use to prevent wood from looking like a hockey stick?

[@731Woodworks]

I don't leave mine outside, well not really. I keep it in the garage. As long as it stays dry, you should be okay

[@Mojo-Risin-Risin]

Lay it flat on some old 2x stock

[@lumberjackeric]

Do you use a pre-stain conditioner on all species?

[@731Woodworks]

Yea

[@lumberjackeric]

@@731Woodworks I’ll give it a go

[@jimayotte3905]

👍👍

[@731Woodworks]

👍🏻

[@CarnivoreKipp]

Do you not use a finish after?

[@731Woodworks]

Yes I do, but for the purpose of this video I didn't

[@homerco213]

I imagine this works for hardwood floors. We have particular problems with maple and blotchy-ness. We water-pop all our maple stains for consistency. However it only goes so far, and popping obviously makes the stain take much darker. Also what's the price per gallon? With floors we'd be using quite a lot of this stuff.

[@731Woodworks]

I’m not sure they sell it by the gallon? I buy it by the quart.

[@homerco213]

@@731Woodworks My folks have a small maple area. I think ill try this product out.

[@manuelbercian9478]

Hi there,what happens if I let it dry for more than 4 hours

[@731Woodworks]

Just re-apply

[@CJ-zc8xn]

Can someone tell me why every time I buy this exact product within about a month it separates into a solid and a liquid. It's really strange the way it separates two considering it's a clear liquid to start

[@mikeledee8786]

Thanks for the advice. Hey Matt, have you ever built anything with SYP, (Southern Yellow Pine)? If you did what was it and how did it come out. Thanks again.

[@731Woodworks]

Yes. Most of the builds on this channel are southern yellow, especially the tops to my tables, tv stands etc.

[@mikeledee8786]

@@731Woodworks Thanks for the quick reply. Any issues with staining? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@731Woodworks]

Use pre-stain conditioner on yellow pine for sure. If not you’ll have those nasty dark blotches all over.

[@mikeledee8786]

@@731Woodworks Thanks for all you advice.

[@731Woodworks]

You’re welcome

[@NewYorkMetalDetecting]

Good video. Thumbs up. Have you tried using Minwax Water Based Sanding Sealer?

[@731Woodworks]

I haven’t but I will look into it.

[@chrisvancil2705]

Why is pre-stain red in color?

[@barba178]

Where do you buy your T-shirts?

[@731Woodworks]

Shields of Strength website

[@pokeysdad17]

you say you use it for all of your projects. does that include hardwood?

[@731Woodworks]

no just softwoods

[@pokeysdad17]

@@731Woodworks thank you for your reply. very helpful.

[@ghostdogkilla76]

Hello , i own my own stain business...20 years + . Good video but recommend OLD MASTERS WIPING STAIN 🌝. Any Benjamin moore dealers . As for wood pre conditioner , i think it lightens up any stain you apply....if your going for a dark, rich color , sand with grain and apply two + coats. Ladies and gentlemen....pine is pine and is usually always blotchy, use a better species of wood for a professional look.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for the tips!

[@sonnysingh4028]

How about on plywood ?

[@731Woodworks]

I use it on plywood

[@sonnysingh4028]

731 Woodworks thank you. I appreciate it