Minwax® Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

Minwax® Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner penetrates the grain of the wood to promote uniform acceptance of water-based wood stains and helps control the effect of grain raising on both soft and hard woods.


  • Helps prevent streaking and blotching to ensure a beautiful, even stain for all water-based stains
  • Quickly dries in 5 minutes to minimize project time
  • Water-based formula makes for easy soap and water clean up

From Real Homes

Get Inspired

See what’s possible, and then make it happen. Tag @minwaxusa on Instagram to have your project featured.

Application Directions

  • Preparation Warning
    Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.
  • APPLICATION STEPS
    • Stir Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner well, before and during application.
    • Do not thin.
    • Apply using a brush or cloth in the direction of the wood grain.
    • Allow product to penetrate for 1 to 5 minutes.
    • Wipe away excess conditioner with a clean, dry cloth.
    • Do not allow product that has not penetrated the wood to dry on the wood surface.
    • After 15-30 minutes, lightly sand the surface with fine-grade sandpaper to smooth any raised grain. Remove all sanding dust.
    • After Pre-Stain application, add stain following label instructions.
    • Complete your project by applying a clear protective finish.
  • CAUTIONS
    CAUTIONS: Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other containers for storage. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water. Get medical attentional if irritation persists. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. CONFORMS TO ASTM D-4236. Contact a physician for more health information.

Data Sheets:

Product Number Base Container Size SDS PDS
027426618503 Clear 1 Quart SDS -
027426618510 Clear 1 Quart SDS -

  • Minwax® Product Warranty
    SATISFACTION GUARANTEE LIMITED WARRANTY. This warranty is made to you, the product purchaser who owns the property where the product is applied. This warranty is not transferable except that if a contractor purchased and applied the product to the property for you, then the warranty is transferable to you. If this product, when applied and maintained according to product application and maintenance instructions to a properly prepared surface, fails to perform to your complete satisfaction, Minwax shall, upon presentation of proof of purchase, either replace an equivalent quantity of product free of charge or refund the original purchase price. For a replacement or refund please contact customer service at 1-800-523-9299. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, damage, or product failure resulting from improper surface preparation, structural defects, environmental damage, failure of a previous product, deterioration or defect in the underlying substrate, or improper application or maintenance of the product. Your exclusive remedy, and Minwax's sole liability, under this warranty is the replacement of product or refund and does not include labor or costs associated with the application or removal of any product. IN NO EVENT SHALL MINWAX BE LIABLE FOR ANY TYPE OF INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES WHETHER OR NOT PURCHASER IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL HAVE THE SAME DURATION AS THE ABOVE EXPRESS WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so portions of the limitations above might not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.