Wood Conditioner

This is a pre-stain, clear wood sealer that enables uniform stain application on soft woods, such as fir, pine, or hemlock. Using this product helps to avoid the appearance of uneven, blotchy staining. This VOC-compliant formula is for Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) states and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. This formula may be open for a longer amount of time before stain must be applied. See product instructions for more information.

Technical Data Sheet

Where to Use
Wood Conditioner is recommended for use on soft woods such as pine, fir, maple, or poplar. This wood conditioner needs to dry 8 hours before applying an oil based stain.

Ideal for use on soft woods which are being stained with or adjacent to hardwoods.

Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from dirt, wax, or grease. If persistent wax exists, remove with fine steel wool saturated with paint thinner or alcohol. This product does not take the place of sanding sealer. It is a pre-stain treatment only.

Bare Wood: Sand the wood thoroughly with medium grit sandpaper and progress to fine grit sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Sand smooth and remove all dust.

Previously Finished Surfaces: Strip the surface completely down to bare wood with paint or varnish remover, making sure all previous finishes are removed. Surface must be sanded smooth. Remove all dust.

Note: DO NOT use a tack rag to remove dust, as it may leave a residue that will interfere with adhesion.

Application
Stir product thoroughly with a circular, lifting motion to disperse contents evenly.

  1. Apply with a polyester or nylon brush. Ensure entire surface has been coated.
  2. Allow Wood Conditioner to penetrate the surface for 5 to 15 minutes. Remove excess by wiping with a clean rag. Do not leave a surface film; work in a small area so the product cannot set up.
  3. Apply stain over Wood Conditioner after 8 hours. If stain is applied before 8 hours, a darker color may result with less uniformity control.

Helpful Hints
Color depth may vary according to type of wood, stain and application technique. To ensure that your finished color is accurate, we highly recommend you test your technique, wood stain, and wood type before you start your project.

Thinning
Do not thin. Use as packaged.

Coverage
Approximately 400 to 500 square feet per gallon depending upon method of application, type and porosity of wood.

Drying Time
Wood Conditioner will dry in approximately 8 hours. Allow Wood Conditioner to dry for a minimum 24 hours before applying water-based stains.

Cleanup
Using a cleaning solvent, such as paint thinner or mineral spirits, is recommended for cleanup. The use of paint thinners or mineral spirits may violate VOC compliancy in your area. Check with your local government agencies to ensure proper compliancy.

DANGER: Rags, steel wool, sanding residue, and other wastes used or soaked with this product may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. No ignition source is required for these wastes to start on fire by themselves. Immediately place rags, steel wool, sanding residue, and other wastes used or soaked with this product in a sealed, water-filled metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.

MAX VOC: 100 grams/liter (.83 lbs/gal)

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is the most important step of any stain or finish project. Follow these easy steps to attain a professional-looking finish every time.

Filling Woodgrain

Some open-pore wood species or woods with large imperfections may require an additional step to prepare the surface for staining and finishing. Creating a smooth finish on these woods can be obtained by using Old Masters Woodgrain Filler. Use on hardwoods, such as oak, ash, and mahogany. Use as directed.

Wood Conditioning

Some woods, such as pine, fir, maple, and poplar absorb stain unevenly creating a blotchy appearance. Old Masters Wood Conditioner is a clear wood sealer which enables uniform stain application under oil- or water-based stains. Apply stain over Wood Conditioner after 8 hours of dry time, or 24 hours if applying water-based stains. If the stain is applied before 8 hours, a darker color may result with less uniformity control. Ideal for use on soft woods which are being stained with or adjacent to hardwoods.

Sanding Sealer

Use a sand-able basecoat or sealer prior to the application of varnishes or polyurethanes. Old Masters Oil-Based and Water-Based Sanding Sealers may be applied to all types of bare or stained woods. These products help to promote a smooth, fine finish.

Product Number Color Size Safety Data Sheets
51101 Clear Gallon EnglishSpanishFrench
51104 Clear Quart EnglishSpanishFrench