No. My experience is that water-based stains/prestains don't work as well as oil-based products since the water causes the wood fiber to swell up and resist penetration of the material being applied. Also, don't intermix use of an oil-based prestain with a water-based stain or, for that matter, water and oil-based stains and poly finish coats. Personally I like this product; I use it with Minwax oil-stains and Minwax oil-based wipe-on satin poly finish.

Has anyone used this on Cherry wood? I also wanted to know if this would make a difference before I stain Cherry wood?

I used this on cherry when applying a black cherry stain. In general, pre-stain makes the actual stain lighter. With the black cherry stain and no pre-stain it made the wood appear too dark and very purple. When applying the pre-stain It worked perfectly for what I was trying to achieve. I was able to match an antique dark cherry dresser almost perfectly. Always test with a scrap piece with and without the pre-stain but it works on all wood types.

how does pre stain work?

This is what MinWax says:Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner penetrates the grain of the wood to promote uniform acceptance of wood stain. Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner helps prevent streaking and blotching to help ensure a beautiful, even stain. It is specifically designed to condition wood before staining new, bare softwood or porous surfaces.From my experience, it makes any stain look better. The darker the stain, the more you need a Pre-Stain. Some people call their product a "wood conditioner" and some call it a "pre-stain". But I believe they basically do the same thing. What the pre-stain does is fill in the soft part of the wood. The softer parts of the wood are more porous and they will absorb more of the pre-stain. So when you put on the stain, the softer more porous parts of the wood are already filled and they will not absorb as much stain. So the look is much better. This makes the stains go on more evenly. Important Note: I first apply the pre-stain in generous amounts. And then I quickly apply the stain. Do not let the pre-stain dry. Apply the stain immediately over the moist pre-stain. Also please note that there are water based and oil based pre-stains / wood conditioners and stains. If you use a water based pre-stain / wood conditioner and then apply a water based stain, I have noticed that is like not using the pre-stain. Since they are both water based, the water based stain will mix in with the pre-stain and acts almost like you did not use the pre-stain. Even worse is then try applying a water based top coat. You will have a mess on your hands. Especially if using a brush. Plus the water base stuff will definitely raise the grain on the wood. Instead I first apply an oil based pre-stain or wood conditioner and then I apply a water based stain. Sounds crazy but I have the best of luck with that combination. The reason this works so well is because oil and water do not mix and so the stain will not mix with the pre-stain. And that is what I want. I can rub the water based stain as much as I want and feel I have more control over the tone or shade of the stain. But before I apply a top coat of polyurethane, I wait 3 or 4 hours - enough time to allow the oil base pre-stain to evaporate. If I do not wait, then I will see air bubbles in the top coat from the oil based pre-stain trying to evaporate. So I just wait a few hours and then I can seal the project with my top coat. I spray on a water based polyuerethane for the top coat and get a nice even finish. That is what works for me. I always use an oil based pre-stain or wood conditioner. Next I immediately rub on a water base stain. Wait 3 hours. Spray on a water based top coat of polyurethane. Works beautiful every time.

Should I use this on pine wood before I stain?

I would, it will help prevent blotchy areas. Soaks right in, I have had good luck with it.

Desertcart Logo

Deliver to Greece

For best experience Get the App

DOWNLOAD THE APP

WE SOURCE ITEMS FROM

UAE
UK
India
USA
Japan
KOREA

Customer Services

About Us

Customer Support

Description

🪄 Transform your woodwork into flawless art—because your projects deserve perfection!

MAXIMIZED COVERAGE - One quart covers up to 75 square feet, optimizing your project efficiency.
TRUSTED HERITAGE BRAND - Minwax, America's wood finishing leader since 1904, guarantees quality and reliability.
FLAWLESS FINISH EVERY TIME - Prepares wood to prevent blotches and streaks for a smooth, professional look.
INSTANT STAIN READY SURFACE - Apply stain immediately after conditioning—no waiting, no hassle.
UNIVERSAL WOOD COMPATIBILITY - Perfect for both softwoods like pine and hardwoods like maple—one conditioner for all projects.

Minwax 61500444 Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is a premium oil-based treatment designed to ensure even stain absorption on all wood types, preventing blotches and streaks. With a generous 75 sq ft coverage per quart and immediate stain readiness, it’s the trusted choice for professionals and DIYers aiming for flawless, glossy finishes on both soft and hard woods.

Common Questions

Are the products genuine and authentic?+

Yes, all products are sourced directly from authorized retailers in the US, UK, UAE and India. We maintain strict quality control processes and verify each product before shipping. All items come with applicable manufacturer warranties and are covered by our standard return policy.

How long does delivery take and is it reliable?+

Delivery times vary by destination country, typically ranging from 3-9 business days. Each order is fully trackable through our system. We handle all customs clearance and use reliable courier partners for last-mile delivery. You'll receive regular updates about your order status via email and our app.

What is Desertcart? Is it safe to order from?+

Desertcart is an international e-commerce platform operating since 2014. We securely process thousands of orders globally each day. Every product goes through our quality verification process before delivery, and we provide end-to-end order tracking, 24/7 customer support, and a comprehensive returns policy to ensure a safe shopping experience.

How is product pricing calculated?+

Our prices include the product cost, international shipping, import duties, customs clearance, and local delivery charges. We handle all customs and import procedures, ensuring there are no hidden fees upon delivery. PRO members receive additional benefits including free shipping.

€ 112.18

Duties & taxes incl.

Greecestore

Free Returns

30 daysfor PRO membership users

15 dayswithout membership

Secure Transaction

ChatGPT - opens in a new tab Perplexity - opens in a new tab Claude - opens in a new tab Grok - opens in a new tab Google AI - opens in a new tab

Trustpilot

TrustScore 4.5 | 7,300+ reviews

Imran F.

Very reliable shop with genuine products. Will definitely buy again!

2 weeks ago

Ali H.

Fast shipping and excellent packaging. The Leatherman tool feels very premium and sturdy.

1 day ago

View all Trustpilot reviews

Colour	Quart
Brand	Minwax
Surface Recommendation	Wood
Material	Wood
Model Name	Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Size	Quart
Coating Description	Oil Based
Item dimensions L x W x H	11 x 12.5 x 12.5 Centimeters
Item Weight	1.94 Pounds
Finish Type	Glossy
Style	Classic
Recommended Uses For Product	interior
Liquid Volume	32 Fluid Ounces
Paint Type	Oil
Number of Items	1
Manufacturer	Minwax
Net Quantity	32.0 millilitre
Global Trade Identification Number	00027426615007
UPC	027426615007
Department	Stains & Sealers
Country of Origin	USA
Item model number	61500444
Product Dimensions	11 x 12.5 x 12.5 cm; 879.97 g
ASIN	B002OTUYCY

Minwax 61500444 Pre Stain Wood Conditioner, 1 Quart

Details

Description

Specifications

Have a Question? See What Others Asked

Common Questions