I’m finishing up a simple bookcase. Maple plywood with solid maple face frames. There was some perceived urgency to get it done, so I decided to use GF water based clear pre-conditioned and water based stain. Plan was to topcoat with water based poly. In theory, each layer can be added fairly quickly assuming all goes well. I normally like to spray but I’m in a new house and not yet set up. I also normally use oil based stain or gel stain.
Everything was prepared and applied per instructions and videos.
Here is where finishing met ruining:
If you look closely, you can see every sweep of the preconditioner. The preconditioner also accumulated in the edges of the cabinet. I had a helper for the preconditioner and we worked as quickly as possible- liberal application then immediately wipe off. I will say it dried very quickly. It is a clear product so you can’t really tell how much is accumulating.
I tried to salvage this with gel stain but the prestain conditioner wipes still showed through. I’m taking the finish down now to redo with different products. It is somewhat difficult to know how far to sand since the preconditioner is clear.
So, I can’t say this is a bad product but it is difficult to get right compared to other approaches. I like a number of Gf products and hate to relay a bad experience.
I definitely should have used the extender for the prestain conditioner, which is mentioned in their video.
Lessons learned: (some of these I’ve “learned” many times)
Has anyone used the water based preconditioner and stain with success?
Everything was prepared and applied per instructions and videos.
Here is where finishing met ruining:
If you look closely, you can see every sweep of the preconditioner. The preconditioner also accumulated in the edges of the cabinet. I had a helper for the preconditioner and we worked as quickly as possible- liberal application then immediately wipe off. I will say it dried very quickly. It is a clear product so you can’t really tell how much is accumulating.
I tried to salvage this with gel stain but the prestain conditioner wipes still showed through. I’m taking the finish down now to redo with different products. It is somewhat difficult to know how far to sand since the preconditioner is clear.
So, I can’t say this is a bad product but it is difficult to get right compared to other approaches. I like a number of Gf products and hate to relay a bad experience.
I definitely should have used the extender for the prestain conditioner, which is mentioned in their video.
Lessons learned: (some of these I’ve “learned” many times)
- Sample boards- would have avoided most of this. Especially given a “new to me” product.
- Don’t rush finish
- These products aren’t for me but in the right hands I guess they are fine
Has anyone used the water based preconditioner and stain with success?