Shazmira Posted May 3, 2013 Share #1 Posted May 3, 2013 I bought a can of wood conditioner because I read in someones log about the use of it. Can someone please tell me exactly what wood conditioner is supposed to do? i have read the can, but don't really comprehend why exactly I would want or need to use this product. second question is how (meaning when, at what stage) would I use this...before sanding, after sanding??? Will I want to use it on EVERY piece of wood that will be on the exterior of the ship? Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted May 3, 2013 Share #2 Posted May 3, 2013 (edited) Wood conditioner will help even out the finish of the stain that you subsequently apply. Softer woods like basswood tend to have areas that are softer and others that are more dense. Thus the stain will not soak in evenly and this leads to a blotchy finish. The conditioner will even out the surface so that the stain will go on evenly. I would apply it after sanding and then stain within a few minutes of applying it. The softer the wood, the more you will see the need for it. Also, for open grained woods it will work well. Russ Edited May 3, 2013 by russ freewheelinguy, JPett, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted May 3, 2013 Share #3 Posted May 3, 2013 Brian: I am not sure what is available down under, but here in the states, I use a prestain conditioner made by Minwax. I have had very good success with it on soft woods like basswood. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazmira Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share #4 Posted May 3, 2013 Thank you. What I have is the minwax conditioner as well. Now i understand why it was recommended I use this for both the 18th century longboat and the Syren, as both use basswood for the planking. One last question Russ, will this change the color of the stain? Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazmira Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted May 3, 2013 Thanks Don, I will look into that. I had planned to do the one on here, but had delayed it until the weather got better so i could get out in the barn and cut me a piece of plywood for the base. I was going to try this as a scratch build...but did not realize there were kits for it as well...hmmmm Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted May 3, 2013 Share #6 Posted May 3, 2013 Robbyn: I would sand the wood well and make sure you do not have any glue spots etc. That will cause you a problem with both the conditioner and the stain. Apply the conditioner and let it soak in for a bit. They tell you about how long on the label. You can wipe off any excess and then stain shortly thereafter. I would definitely run some tests on some scraps first. That is never a bad idea. I do not think it will chnage the color of the stain. You might test it and see what you think. The depth of the stain will be a function of how long you leave it on before wiping it down. On the Battlestation, let me know if you have any questions. Russ augie 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augie Posted May 3, 2013 Share #7 Posted May 3, 2013 I only need to make one comment here,,,,,, everything Russ says is 100% on the mark. Shazmira 1 Quote Augie Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64 Previous Builds : US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988 Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976 Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazmira Posted May 3, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted May 3, 2013 Thanks Russ, I feel I have my head wrapped around both the use and the NEED for the conditioner. I expect to be starting that longboat in the next week or so, and I want to make sure I do it right!! I know Chuck told me to use the conditioner instead of replacing the basswood with something else, but now I see why. I am also hoping in 10 days, as soon as school is out YIPPEE, I can get out to the barn to cut that plywood for the battle station. Did you build it as well Russ? Don, yes, we picked up something like 6 inches, but it was gone the next day thank goodness. I keep hoping spring will actually arrive!!! Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted May 3, 2013 Share #9 Posted May 3, 2013 Robbyn: If you are talking about the Battlestation plans that are offered here at MSW, I designed it and built it. You might be talking about another project though and that is good too. Good luck with the longboat kit. That is a beautiful model designed by real artist and craftsman. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazmira Posted May 4, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted May 4, 2013 Well, wow, I had no idea you created it Russ. Now you are in trouble as I WILL be asking you questions! Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted May 4, 2013 Share #11 Posted May 4, 2013 Whenver you get to building it, I will be around. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
42rocker Posted May 7, 2013 Share #12 Posted May 7, 2013 Sounds like someone is going for a walk on the darkside. I agree on the wood conditioner. Later 42rocker Shazmira 1 Quote Current Build -- Finishing a 1:1 House that I've been building for a while Current Build -- Triton Cross Section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shazmira Posted May 7, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted May 7, 2013 Rocker, you know it is ALL your fault. You are the one who convinced me to start with the battle station! Now if I could just convince the other half that I really NEED that Byrnes table saw for my birthday..... Cuda1949 1 Quote Robbyn If you risk nothing, you risk everything! Current builds Syren (Model Shipways) version 2.0 AL San Francisco II Mordaunt (Euro Model) Completed Builds 18th Century Longboat designed by Chuck Passaro In the closet Battle Station Al Charles Morgan (1980s version) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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