General Finishes®, Water Based Stains have superior qualities over oil-based stains. Their high-quality pigments produce rich, dark, uniform colors on hard-to-stain woods like maple and pine. Low odor, low VOC, water cleanup, and noncombustible. These stains are now formulated with more than 50% RENEWABLE RESOURCES formulated from sustainable materials that decrease the carbon footprint. Can be brushed or sprayed.
Water Based Pre-Stain Conditioner/Natural is a formula similar to our water-based stains without the colorant. Use General Finishes® Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural as a wood conditioner to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods, such as maple, pine and cherry, before applying a water-based wood stain. Coverage 100-150 Sq. ft.
Let Pre-stain (GL10017) Conditioner dry for 20 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes before applying GF water-based stain.
Application Conditions: Recommended 70°F and 50% humidity, out of direct sunlight. Variations in conditions and application techniques can significantly affect dry times and coverage. Use GF Accelerator in cool or humid conditions. Use GF Extender in warm or dry conditions. Surface Prep: Ensure the surface is clean of contaminants and dust. Variations in wood species, prep procedures, and application procedures can significantly affect the color. Always test for color before staining your project. Raw Wood: Sand no finer than 220 grit on closed‐grain woods, 180 grit on open‐grained woods. Other Substrates: Not recommended. Application Tips: Do not apply with a rag or cloth. If the stain is drying too quickly, apply more stain to re‐wet the surface. For deeper color, a 2nd coat can be applied after the 1st coat has dried completely. Use Pre-stain natural for more consistent color on blotchy woods. System Recommendations: Finish with 3 coats of any GF topcoat.