Water Vs. Wood Conditioner

[cwboland]

Good day all,

 

I have noticed a good number of posts suggesting the use of a pre-stain conditioner. I was just wondering how many people used the conditioner vice water or nothing so I set up this little poll.

 

I prefer to use water, especially on softer woods like basswood and pine. I have used the conditioner before and have found that water works just as well to open the pores of the wood to soak in the stain.

 

I look forward to seeing the results.

[bogeygolpher]

I rely on gel stains which do not require any pre-stain conditioner.  

 

I actually thought that pre-conditioners do the exact opposite of what you suggest in that they close the pores to allow an even distribution of the stain in the wood.  I suppose flooding the wood with water as you do would have a similar effect.

[Izzy Madd]

Good day all,

 

I have noticed a good number of posts suggesting the use of a pre-stain conditioner. I was just wondering how many people used the conditioner vice water or nothing so I set up this little poll.

 

I prefer to use water, especially on softer woods like basswood and pine. I have used the conditioner before and have found that water works just as well to open the pores of the wood to soak in the stain.

 

I look forward to seeing the results.

As an ex wood butcher. The only reason I would use anything before staining was if it was a very big surface and it would be impossible to keep a live edge. On something like a model I doubt it would need it. And would just raise the grain. Which is fine if you want an ultra smooth finish. But the stain will probably do that. And if I did pre wet a piece. And I'm talking a table top eight foot by four plus. Then I would use a sprayer with washing up liquid, just a few drops. And water. And a VERY light spray and keep spraying to make sure it stay wet ahead of me. But don't over do it or you'll get tide marks in the stain.

 

My adive,IMO, is just stain it if you don't want too dark a colour use sanding sealer and de nib after.

 

Izzy