HOW-TO
Choosing the Right Wood Repair Products
Improve end results through proper surface prep by using sanding sealers, fillers and conditioners.
HOW-TO
Choosing the Right Wood Repair Products
Improve end results through proper surface prep by using sanding sealers, fillers and conditioners.
Where to Use a Sanding Sealer
Expert Tips For an Extra Smooth Finish:
- A sanding sealer can be used on bare, unstained floors, doors, furniture and cabinets prior to applying either an oil-based or a water-based clear finish. It is designed as a base coat that will dry quickly, seal the pores, and sand easily with fine sandpaper to create an ultra-smooth foundation.
- A sanding sealer is not the same as a wood conditioner. Whereas a wood conditioner is a pre-stain treatment that reduces blotchiness when staining, a sanding sealer is applied only to bare wood that is not going to be stained.
Choosing a Repair Product
Use a Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Prevent streaks and blotches
Wood rarely absorbs stain evenly. The various sizes of pores account for the difference in the amount of stain one board or even one section of a board will absorb compared to another. To minimize this difference and to reduce the blotchiness that often occurs when staining, brush on a coat of Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner after removing the sanding dust, but before you apply your stain.
When making your decision, consider the following:
Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is available as either a water-based or an oil-based formulation. Choosing a pre-stain wood conditioner is simple. If you plan on using an oil-based stain, you must use the oil-based Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. If you plan on using a water-based stain, use Minwax® Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner.
When using oil-based conditioner, allow it to penetrate into the wood for 5-15 minutes. Then be sure to remove any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
When using Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, allow it to penetrate for 1-5 minutes, then remove any excess. Since Water Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner causes the wood fibers to swell, you will need to lightly sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper 15-30 minutes after application.