Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does a softwood differ from a hardwood?

If a fingernail is pressed against a hidden section of the wood and leaves a dent, the wood is soft and probably needs conditioning to help avoid an uneven stain color.

Q. How does Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner work?

Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner penetrates the pores of the wood, reducing the amount of stain the larger pores will absorb. This evens out the absorption of stain, preventing streaking and blotching.

Q. What happens to Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner after two hours have elapsed?

The resins in Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner will begin to dry and may block too much stain. To open the pores again, sand the wood lightly with a medium grit (#120 - #180) sandpaper.

Q. Does Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner have to be sanded after it dries?

No. Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is not a sanding sealer and does not require this extra step.

Q. Is it possible to apply too much Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner?

No, not if label instructions are followed and any excess Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is wiped off after 5 - 15 minutes.

Q. Can Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner be used on hardwoods such as oak or mahogany?

Yes, but more dramatic results will be seen on softwoods such as spruce and pine. Hardwoods tend to have a more uniform pore structure than softwoods, resulting in more uniform staining.

Q. Can Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner be used prior to a water-based stain?

No. Since Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is an oil-based product, it should only be used as a pre-stain treatment with oil-based stains such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ stains.

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