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.

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Sponsored Ad – 134074444 Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, 1/2 Pint

Sponsored Ad – 134074444 Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, 1/2 Pint

Product ID: 273898259

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Details

Colour
1/2 Pint
Brand
Minwax
Surface recommendation
Wood
Material
Model name
134074444

🌲Optimized for soft woods

🎨Prevents blotching & streaking

⏱️Dries in 15 minutes

Description

🎨 Elevate your woodwork game—because flawless finish is the new flex!

SOFT WOOD SAVIOR - Specifically formulated for porous woods like pine, alder, birch, and maple to ensure perfect results.
MAXIMIZED COVERAGE - Enhances stain absorption for a richer, more vibrant finish that stands out.
SPEEDY DRYING POWER - Dries in just 15 minutes, so your project moves faster without waiting around.
UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - Works seamlessly with any wood type and oil-based stains for versatile use.
FLAWLESS FINISH EVERY TIME - Prepares wood to absorb stain evenly, eliminating blotches and streaks.

Minwax 134074444 Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (1/2 Pint) is a fast-drying, specially formulated solution designed to prevent streaking and blotching on soft and porous woods. It ensures even absorption of oil-based stains, delivering a smooth, professional-quality finish every time.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Minwax
Part number	134074444
Item Weight	0.28 g
Product Dimensions	7.62 x 8.26 x 7.62 cm; 0.28 g
Item model number	134074444
Size	1/2 Pint
Color	1/2 Pint
Finish	smooth
Material	Man-made-material
Item Package Quantity	1
Coverage	Enhanced coverage
Included components	Minwax 134074444 Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, 1/2 Pint
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

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