Questions and Answers for Varathane 8 oz. Wood Conditioner

A:  Thanks for reaching out, Josh. Varathane Premium Wood Conditioner is a high solids, oil-based wood conditioner designed to penetrate deeply into wood to provide a more even color and better stain control for all wood projects. Areas that you do not want the Wood Conditioner to touch, should be protected. 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. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6

A:  Yes to the day after but I would not wait any longer than 24-48 hours after application due to dust etc settling on your material. I suggest not using terry cloth because it tends to snag on the wood fibers, use micro fiber rags instead.

A:  Happy to help. For best results, using Varathane Premium Wood Conditioner, apply 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. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6

A:  Thank you for reaching out! Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner is designed to help softer woods accept stains more evenly and prevent a blotchy appearance. This product will not fill in wood grain to smooth the surface. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  To minimize grain you'll want to sand the surface to a fine finish then apply the pre stain. Pre stain promotes unifirm stain penetration and if the surface is smooth the grain won't pop out near as much. So yes, it can aid reducing the grain, but it's more effective with smoother surfaces.

A:  Generally speaking, Kelley, it's good to use a wood conditioner, such as the Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner, under porous woods. Pine is a softwood and is usually not as porous. You can test your stain first in a small area to see if you like the look. If you think the conditioner is needed, you can certainly do so after the test. We hope this helps! - Rust-Oleum Product Support 1

A:  I think there is a water-based version for water-based stains

A:  Thank you for reaching out! Our Varathane Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is designed for use prior to applying an oil-based wood stain, to ensure even penetration and staining of soft, porous woods. Once the surface has been treated with the pre-stain and stained, our Varathane Ultimate Water-Based Polyurethane may be applied over the dried wood stain. This water-based polyurethane is compatible with both water and oil-based penetrating wood stains that have fully dried. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2

A:  Happy to help, Stev. Allow Varathane Wood Conditioner to penetrate for 30 minutes before staining. 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. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 6

A:  Great question, Lucas! We recommend allowing Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner to penetrate into the surface for at least 30 minutes before staining. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Thank you for reaching out, Beverly. Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner is intended for use on interior wood surfaces only. This conditioner is intended for use on soft woods to help provide a consistent color with wood stains. If wanting to use an exterior stain or sealer, we recommend reaching out to the stain manufacture for the prep recommendations! - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  Happy to help, Anne! Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner will have more of a clear finish and will not block any of the color. If the wood filler is a contrasting color, it may show through some with the stain, depending on how opaque it is. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

A:  You've come to the right place! Rust-Oleum Varathane Wood Conditioner can be top coated with a water-base polyurethane. For best results, be sure to follow the application and dry time information on the label. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 4