Yes, wood should be sanded smooth before applying your pre-stain conditioner for better and more even results. Water Based Pre-Stain Conditioner is a formula similar to our water-based stains without the colorant. Use General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural as a wood conditioner to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods, such as maple, pine and cherry, before applying a water-based wood stain. https://youtu.be/rjPX1byriM8?t=376 Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Make Stains Look Better! | DIY Blotch Prevention Formula (https://youtu.be/rjPX1byriM8?t=376) How to Apply Wood Conditioner

https://youtu.be/jsClV9zZNLM Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Watch This Before Buying Pre-Stain Conditioner for Woodworking Projects (https://youtu.be/jsClV9zZNLM) Furthermore, a pre-stain wood conditioner protects wooden surfaces from being damaged by staining, making it easier to clean and protect the surface from the stain. It also helps to protect the wood from natural wear and tear as well as provides a better grip for things like paintbrushes so they won’t slip off. How To Apply Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner? As we mentioned above, all types of porous woods need a pre-stain conditioner if you want to avoid a blotchy stain, there are some more problematic woods however which are worth naming, these woods always need a conditioner before staining.Let Pre-stain Conditioner dry 20 minutes but no more than 30 minutes before applying GF water-based stain in ideal conditions: 50-70% humidity, 70°F/20°C. Stir Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.

The best oil-based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner should be easy to use and appropriate with your project. It must also be water and mold resistant. If you choose the correct company, you’ll obtain a high-quality product that will protect your furniture for years. Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner Water-Based

After using a water-based wood conditioner, you might notice the grain raises and feels rough to the touch. You can use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. For oil-based products, once you've sanded initially, you won't need to sand again.

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.If you left your wood conditioner on for too long, you can lightly scuff up the surface with 220 grit sandpaper. Does wood conditioner make stain darker? It also helps to improve the color of your wood stain and during application. You can use water-based products on new or processed wood, but you cannot use oil-based products on any type of wood. Best Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner