Varathane 1 qt. Classic Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is a pre-staining step made for use on interior wood projects before finishing with a water-based stain. Varathane Wood Conditioner helps prevent splotchy, uneven staining on soft and porous wood types, including birch, maple, alder, fir and pine. High-solids formula offers excellent penetration into the wood for beautiful staining results and projects. Made to prep and seal wood surfaces allowing for a rich, deep and even color.
Use prior to applying water-based stain on porous woods to minimize blotchiness and ensure a consistent, even stain application
Works on interior soft wood surfaces including pine, maple, alder, fir and birch
Covers up to 125 sq. ft. per quart
Acts as a wood sealer and seals soft wood pores for a better, even color and stain control without splotches
Applies easily to interior wood surfaces using a brush or cloth
High-solids formula penetrates deeply into wood to close pores, allow 30 minutes after application before applying wood stain
Cleans up with soap and water
Will work on a variety of wood surfaces including interior wood furniture, cabinets, doors, trim, wood floors and paneling
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Specifications
Questions & Answers
12Questions
Q:Can I put epoxy over this?
by|Jan 27, 2023
1 Answer
Answer This Question
A:Â Happy to clear things up, Ivan! Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Water-Based Wood Conditioner is intended to be used on bare wood prior to staining the surface to help ensure an even color. We do not recommend using this as a sealer on bare wood prior to applying an epoxy to the surface.
- Rust-Oleum Product Support 3
by|Jan 30, 2023
Q:Can I use the conditioner and then wax it if I want a natural look?
by|Aug 17, 2021
1 Answer
Answer This Question
A:Â Hi Janet, our Varathane Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is compatible with these water-based wood stains, and is a great way to ensure even penetration and color when the stain is applied. These stains do require a protective finish, and while wax may be used, it requires maintenance and reapplication. Our recommended protective finish is our Varathane Ultimate Water-Based Polyurethane, and a matte finish can be used if you would prefer a natural look: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Clear-Matte-Water-Based-Interior-Polyurethane-262074/305587650 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2
by|Aug 3, 2022
1 found this answer helpful
Q:How many square feet does one quart cover? How many do I need for a 14' x 10' room?
by|Apr 25, 2021
1 Answer
Answer This Question
A:Â Happy to help! Coverage for the Rust-Oleum Varathane Pre-Stain Conditioner is 100-125 sq ft per quart. Due to the porosity of the wood, it's difficult to say the exact amount you'll need. To be safe, we'd suggest that you grab at least two quarts to ensure proper coverage. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 1
by|Apr 26, 2021
Q:Can this be used on stairs? If not, is there a water based pre stain that can be used for floors?
by|Mar 31, 2021
2 Answers
Answer This Question
A:Â Hi Jessica, our Varathane Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and Water-Based Stains are not recommended for floors, stairs, or any foot traffic areas. We would recommend using our oil-based Varathane Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, Wood Stain, and then you can use our Varathane Water-Based Floor Finish Polyurethane if a water-based top coat is desired. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-8-oz-Wood-Conditioner-342085/305587137 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2
by|Jan 9, 2023
A:Â You can use this on stairs. Any bare wood. Just don't use a slippery finishing product.
by|Jan 9, 2023
Showing 1-4 of 12
Customer Reviews
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Mar 22, 2022
Disappointed. I used this product because I wanted to use...
Disappointed. I used this product because I wanted to use water based Matt poly. On my test piece minwax oil based product performed much better compared varathane. It could have been my butcher block but I was not happy
by
Response from Rust-OleumSupportMar 23, 2022
Let's see what we can figure out. Varathane Classic Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is for use prior to applying water-based stain on porous woods to minimize blotchiness and ensure a consistent, even stain application. Varathane Wood Conditioner is not suitable for use on butcher blocks since it is not FDA approved for food contact. Watco Butcher Block Oil is the correct FDA approved product for use on butcher blocks. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watco-1-Pint-Clear-Butcher-Block-Oil-241758/316130833 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6
Verified Purchase
Mar 4, 2020
Product is easy to apply. There's definitely a noticable difference in stain blotting in pieces...
Product is easy to apply. There's definitely a noticable difference in stain blotting in pieces that have been conditioned vs not. Stained pieces that i used the conditioner on are more subtle and uniform in coloring. Water clean up is very convenient.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Feb 4, 2020
Was easy to use very satisfied with the outcome..
Was easy to use very satisfied with the outcome..
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Dec 17, 2019
Life changer! Really makes a difference when staining a piece
Life changer! Really makes a difference when staining a piece
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Jul 28, 2019
varathane water based stain
Applied to bare wood (after sanding to remove previous finish completely ) . Here is the result: NEVER AGAIN!
by
Response from Rust-OleumSupportJul 30, 2019
Something is amiss here! Our Varathane Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is only compatible with water-based wood stains. We need to know more about the application of the wood conditioner, as well as the wood stain to get to the bottom of this. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411, we want to try to make things right! - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2
Recommended
Aug 23, 2018
This is a HORRIBLE product. First of all (and a minor point), the directions on the back of the c...
This is a HORRIBLE product. First of all (and a minor point), the directions on the back of the can are unclear, as they go back and forth between calling the product a conditioner and a stain. So, it's a bit confusing.
The worst parts, though, are performance. First of all, it is designed to be used with water-based stains. It would be great if it said this right on the front of the can, but it is buried on the back.
Secondly, the stains do not penetrate nor adhere the way they should. Simply handling the board, EVEN AFTER THE STAIN HAS DRIED, will create places where the stain will come off as polyurethane is being applied, leaving handprints and fingerprints that appear as if by magic. And of course, after the polyurethane is applied, even if you wipe quickly, it really is not possible to re-stain the area and cover the light-colored handprints. (And I always wear vinyl gloves while handling the wood, so it was not skin oil.) I have attached a picture of what one of these handprints looks like on a board. Now that board is absolutely unusable for it's intended purpose. I have tried sanding and re-staining, with no luck.
By the way, I also bought their petroleum-based wood conditioner/pre-stain. The VOCs in it are so vile and intense, that I can't even use it inside my shop without the garage doors open. And they linger for a couple of DAYS, not hours.
I have no idea why Home Depot made the idiotic decision to change from Minwax pre-stain conditioner, which works like a charm and has none of the issues, but they did. I will now have to drive 20 miles farther to purchase the GOOD wood conditioner at their leading chain competitor, and since I'm having to drive so far, it would be silly to go to Home Depot for anything. This is sad, since we have purchased well over $125,000 in services, supplies and tools there in the last five years or so, since we have been building our house.
by
Response from Rust-OleumSupportAug 24, 2018
We hope you will give us a chance, Tony! We want to hear more about your experience with Rust-Oleum Varathane Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and try to make things right with you. We need more information about which stain was applied and how long it was allowed to dry prior to applying the polyurethane. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 to talk with us. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3
6 found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2022
Must need if you are staining pine (softwood). Follow instructions...
Must need if you are staining pine (softwood). Follow instructions and it will help get the wood ready for a uniform acceptance of fresh varnish
by
Verified Purchase
Nov 16, 2022
Easy to use. Works exactly as anticipated....
Easy to use. Works exactly as anticipated.
by
Verified Purchase
Nov 14, 2022
Don’t use it!
You’re better off putting the stain right on the wood then using this stuff! Blotchy. Minwax is the way to go. I’ve been using it for 30 years and it always turns out well. Just getting harder to find it so I thought I’d try this. Now I gotta do a lot of sanding! Thanks varathane !
by
Response from Rust-OleumSupportNov 14, 2022
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. We want to gather more details about your application of Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Water-Based Wood Conditioner, and try to make things right with you. Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 to talk with us. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3
Oct 31, 2022
Followed directions to a T, but was a FAIL
Firstly, #1 I did ALL my prep work (2 days of stripping down to bare wood.) #2 I read and followed all the directions. After this, I applied the product, as directed. After 2-5 minutes, I wiped off all excess using a lint-free cloth. Once the stain dried (8 hours later) the result was sticky I had to THEN remove ALL the finish with sandpaper and then with a RAZOR BLADE.
by
Response from Rust-OleumSupportNov 1, 2022
We need to know more to get to the bottom of this Ruth. For best results using Varathane Premium Wood Conditioner, stir the contents thoroughly before use. Apply with a brush or clean, lint-free cloth. Apply the conditioner across the grain until the wood is saturated on top. Wipe the excess wood conditioner off in the direction of the wood grain. Do not let the conditioner dry before wiping off the excess. Allow the conditioner to penetrate for 30 minutes before staining with an oil based stain. Give us a call at 800-901-0411, so we can hear more about your application and try to make things right. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6
Varathane 8 oz. Wood Conditioner (4-Pack)Varathane 8 oz. Wood Conditioner (4-Pack) is a pre-staining step made for use on interior wood projects before finishing with an oil-based stain. Varathane Wood Conditioner helps prevent splotchy, uneven staining on soft and porous wood types, including birch, maple, alder, fir and pine. High-solids formula offers excellent penetration into the wood for beautiful staining results and projects. Made to prep and seal wood surfaces allowing for a rich, deep and even color.View Full Product Description
Varathane 1 qt. Classic Water-Based Pre-StainVarathane 1 qt. Classic Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is a pre-staining step made for use on interior wood projects before finishing with a water-based stain. Varathane Wood Conditioner helps prevent splotchy, uneven staining on soft and porous wood types, including birch, maple, alder, fir and pine. High-solids formula offers excellent penetration into the wood for beautiful staining results and projects. Made to prep and seal wood surfaces allowing for a rich, deep and even color.View Full Product Description
1 qt. Wood Conditioner (2-Pack)
Varathane 1 qt. Wood Conditioner (2-Pack)Varathane 1 qt. Wood Conditioner (2-Pack) is a pre-staining step made for use on interior wood projects before finishing with an oil-based stain. Varathane Wood Conditioner helps prevent splotchy, uneven staining on soft and porous wood types, including birch, maple, alder, fir and pine. High-solids formula offers excellent penetration into the wood for beautiful staining results and projects. Made to prep and seal wood surfaces allowing for a rich, deep and even color.View Full Product Description