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Internet # 311625594

Model # B208004

Store SKU # 1004823711

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1 qt. Transparent Water-Based Interior Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

$21.98
  • Prepares wood surfaces to ensure an even and consistent stain
  • Helps prevent streaks and blotches on wood
  • Ideal for all wood types and designed for water-based stains only
  • View More Details

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Product Details

About This Product

BEHR PREMIUM Water-Based Pre Stain Wood Conditioner prepares wood surfaces for water-based staining. Along with sanding, this product is a critical step in ensuring even and consistent penetration of the water-based stain. This product is ideal for all wood types and brings you one step closer to beautiful results.

Highlights

  • Helps prevent streaks and blotches
  • Use prior to staining
  • Excellent penetration
  • Helps promote even staining
  • 1 coat coverage
  • Covers 100 sq. ft.
  • Easy soap and water clean-up
  • Online Price includes a PaintCare fee in the following states: CA, CO, CT, DC, IL, MD, ME, MN, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA
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Product Information

Internet # 311625594

Model # B208004

Store SKU # 1004823711

Specifications

Dimensions

Container Size

1 Quart

Coverage Area (sq. ft.)

100 sq ft

Details

Application Method

Brush

Base Material

Water Based

Dry to Touch (min.)

10 min

Interior Paint & Stains Product Type

Oil/Conditioner

Number of coats recommended

1

Number per Package

1

Paint Tool Product Type

Water-Based

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Soap & Water

Paint/Stain Features

Dries Clear, Fast Drying, Low Odor, One Coat Coverage, Top Coat Required

Product Form

Liquid

Returnable

90-Day

Transparency

Clear

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 Year Limited

Questions & Answers

On the level says do not check what happened if we shake it
BySep 28, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Hi Antonio, thanks for the question. We don't recommend shaking the can because it may cause bubbles to form in the can. If that does happen, try stirring it slowly for a few minutes, and that should help the bubbles to subside. If you have further questions or concerns, please reach out to us directly. We are always happy to help. -Alex

By|Sep 28, 2026


    I need data sheet for this product
    ByAug 27, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Hi Victor, thanks for the question. Please reach out to us directly for a data sheet. Our customer care team is happy to help. -Ronald

    By|Aug 27, 2026


      Why is Bher higher rated than Varathane?
      ByDec 14, 2025
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      Hi Daniel, thank you for the question. Please reach out to us directly to learn more about your project so we can assist you best. We are always happy to help! -Alex

      By|Dec 15, 2025


        I am restoring an antique ice box is using the conditioner necessary? How do I use it? This is the 3rd one I am doing ( got the 4th one next in line)
        ByNov 23, 2025
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        Hi Pat2187, thanks for the question. When using our water-based stains, it is a good idea to treat the wood first with our Pre-Stain Water-based Wood Conditioner. It treats the wood so the stain penetrates more evenly. To use the conditioner it's recommended to apply it with a rag or brush and let it penetrate 5-10 minutes before wiping off all the excess. If you have additional questions about your project, please reach out to us directly. Our customer care team is happy to help. -Ronald

        By|Jun 21, 2026

          (1)

          What should I do if I let the conditioner dry for over 24 hours? Do I need to re-sand and re-apply?
          ByJun 23, 2025
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Hi Eric, thanks for the question. You shouldn't need to sand and reapply the conditioner before applying the stain. If you have additional questions about your project, please reach out to us directly. Our customer care team is happy to help. -Ronald

          By|Jun 23, 2025


            I'll be staining a set of cabinets and trim using the Behr water based products. Can I use a paint sprayer to spray on the pre stain with a light coat?
            ByOct 22, 2024
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Hi there, thank you for your question. We do not recommend spraying the Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. We recommend applying it with a nylon/polyester brush or saturated clean cloth. Allow to penetrate for 5-10 minutes and wipe off any noticeable excess with a clean cloth. Have a great day! -Giovanna

            By|Aug 30, 2026

              (1)

              Will this work before staining an engineered wood cabinet?
              ByJul 9, 2024
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Hi Moops, thanks for your question. Our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner can be applied to some engineered wood surfaces. Please connect with our Customer Care Team directly through our website so they can get more info about your project and further assist. Enjoy the rest of your day! -Christina

              By|Jul 9, 2024


                my local home depot does not have the behr pre stain conditioner, water based, but does have the varathane pre stain conditioner, water base, can i use it before using the behr stain
                ByJul 1, 2024
                2 Answers | 
                Answer This Question

                Hi teewik, thanks for the question. We haven't tested the Varathane product with our stain, so I wouldn't be able to recommend using it. I'd suggest either ordering the Behr Pre-Stain Conditioner online or seeing if they can special order it at the store for you. Have a great day! -Ronald

                By|Jul 1, 2024

                  Yes, they both serve the same purpose. Mike

                  By|Aug 22, 2026

                  (4)

                  Viewing 1-8 of 23

                  Customer Reviews

                  4.2 out of 5

                  • 4.2 out of 247 reviews
                  • 91% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 247 reviews
                  This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text.
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  Had a pine dining table to re-stain and finish. This preconditioner did a great job of preventing blotchiness, was easy to clean up and reseal. I also used it on a veneer when hanging a new door. Worked well on that project as well, no issues with blotchiness. Would use again.
                  by
                  Well it started out good and ended up blotchy. I contacted Behr and they got back to me right away. Thanks
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  Went on nice and dryed fast
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  I’ve refinished several pieces and strongly recommend using the conditioner. It helps even out stain and prevent spotty build up. Here’s a pic from the table I wrapped up last week. It’s beautiful.
                  by
                  There are not enough negative adjectives to describe how I feel about this product. I’ve used Behr Interior and Exterior paints, with great success. Their water-based Pre-stain, stains, and Poly are another matter. Dried too quickly. Very blotchy. Uneven coat required re-sanding to remove all stain and start over. After repeating the process twice, I gave up and ordered oil-based products. Never again!
                  by
                  Response from BehrAug 8, 2024
                  Hi Steve, thanks for your review. I'm sorry to hear about the issues you had with our water-based stain products. Ensuring our customers are happy is our top priority, and we are eager to help get your project back on track. Please feel free to reach out to us directly for any additional support. We look forward to hearing from you! -Christina Behr
                  • Verified Purchase
                  Will never use wood conditioner again! Ruined my project and I had to resand in hopes to save the wood and start all over. After carefully picking out pine tongue and groove boards for a new ceiling, taking time to sand each one with 120 grit sandpaper and then again with 220 grit, I was excited to actually start the process of staining them. I picked out Behr Stain and Poly in One and the Behr Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner - both water-based. I picked out a brand new nylon polyester brush and brought the wood in overnight to warm it to 70 degrees. I spent 3 hours conditioning the wood being careful to follow all directions on back of can. After about 3 hours I began staining, starting first with the 3 pieces of wood that were to be my testers - I DID NOT CONDITION THE TESTER WOOD and the stain went in beautifully! I was so excited about how beautiful it looked on the unconditioned wood that I went on the stain the conditioned wood. Immediately I noticed the stain was harder to get on and would not spread but dried almost immediately leaving huge blotchy patches. It also would not cover in some areas which was like trying to stain over crayon marks and some stain slid off and built up around the edges of those areas. Turns out the BEHR pre-stain wood conditioner works like a sealer to the stain cannot go on smoothly. Biggest mistake ever! I resanded all the boards in hopes the stain will go on as nicely as it did on the unconditioned boards, but I am not sore if I sanded down far enough and won’t be able to tell until I try again. Huge waste of money!
                  by
                  Response from BehrApr 19, 2024
                  Hi vspsalm91, thank you for providing us with your valuable feedback. We are sorry to hear that you encountered some issues with the finish of your wood after staining. We understand that it can be frustrating when things don't go as planned, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Our Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is designed to open the pores of the wood and ensure an even finish. We would like to assure you that we take customer satisfaction very seriously and are committed to helping resolve any issues that arise. Please feel free to reach out to us directly so we can provide further assistance. We look forward to hearing from you soon. -Christina Behr
                  • Verified Purchase
                  1 found this review helpful
                  Makes a big difference
                  Makes a huge difference in how stain applies. Was definitely more evenly colored, not quite as dark. Sanded before. Dried in 20 mins. Stained with a foam sponge brush.
                  by
                    • Recommended
                    Excellent and very easy to work with. Pickled kitchen cabinets. Before and after pic.
                    Excellent and very easy to work with. Pickled kitchen cabinets. Before and after pic.
                    by
                    • DIY
                    • Verified Purchase
                    • Recommended
                    2 found this review helpful
                    THE TRANSPARENT OIL BASED PRE-STAIN CONDITIONER IS ESSENTIAL ANYTIME WE ARE STAINING ANYTHING, I...
                    THE TRANSPARENT OIL BASED PRE-STAIN CONDITIONER IS ESSENTIAL ANYTIME WE ARE STAINING ANYTHING, I USED THIS PARTICULAR PRODUCT ON A BUTCHER BLOCK COUNTER TOP, AND IT WORKS INCREDIBLE, THE CONDITIONING OF THE WOOD MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE, THE STAIN NOR THE POLY BUBBLES , MAKING THE FINISHING PRODUCT LOOK SPECTACULAR, ALSO IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SAND OVER.
                    by
                    • Recommended
                    Showing 1-10 of 247 reviews

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                    Product Snapshot

                    Ideal for prepping wood for water-based stains, ensuring even penetration and beautiful results.
                    Ideal for prepping interior softwood for even stain application, sealing pores for rich, consistent color.
                    Ideal for customers who want even, consistent stain penetration, ensuring beautiful results on all wood types.
                    Ideal for prepping interior softwood projects before staining, ensuring rich, even color and preventing blotchiness.

                    Compatibility with various wood types

                    Stain penetration enhancement

                    Nourishment properties

                    Ease of application

                    Odor level