How to Condition Wood Before Staining It Zinsser Products Used: SealCoat™ Other Materials Needed: 150 grit sandpaper Denatured alcohol Mixing container Brush or wiping cloth ScotchBrite® pad or fine synthetic abrasion pad Wood putty and putty knife (if necessary)
Project Description: Professional woodworkers, cabinet makers and furniture finishers will tell you that sealing softwoods like pine or fir, with a pre-stain conditioner before staining will result in a less blotchy, more even-looking appearance. Bulls Eye SealCoat is the fastest drying pre-stain conditioner --- and unlike other pre-stain conditioners, it is compatible with ALL oil-base, water-base, alcohol and gel stains.
Project Steps:
Step 1 - Prepare the Surface
Bare wood surfaces must be clean, dry and sound. Sand as smoothly as possible with 150 grit sandpaper and remove all sanding dust.
Step 2 - Application
In a separate container, mix together equal parts of SealCoat and denatured alcohol. Apply lightly with brush or cloth to condition the wood, working with the grain. Do not over apply or recoat. This will seal the wood pores for controlled penetration of stain and a more uniform appearance. After 15 minutes, lightly rub surface with a ScotchBrite® pad or fine synthetic abrasion pad. NOTE: If using Bulls Eye Shellac as your finish coat, condition the wood with a mixture of one part Clear Bulls Eye Shellac with three parts denatured alcohol. Follow the application directions listed above.
Step 3 - Stain Wood
Apply stain according to manufacturer’s directions and allow to dry overnight. Fill any nail holes, cracks, etc. with a wood putty that closely matches the color of the stained wood. After staining, apply SealCoat evenly and consistently to seal the surface of the stained wood and allow 45 minutes to dry before applying the finish coat.