Minwax water-based stain and Pre-stain?

[lcm1947]

Anybody ever use these before? I just love the clean up involved with water based stuff and would really like to be able to use it if it's any good. Anybody? Oh yeah, it'll be on pine.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I hate it. Sorry, I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but I HATE Minwax water based stains. I think it will be terrible on pine. How negative is that?!?!?! LOL!
I would seal Pine with either a 1lb cut of shellac or a thinned finish. Then I would use a good oil based gel stain such as General Finishes. Locally you should be able to find Zar brand stain at paint stores. Technically not a gel stain but it is nice and thick and sets on top of the seal coat.
Are you trying to match a certain color? Last few pine projects I have saw on this site were clear finished only and looked great.

[lcm1947]

So Jeffrey I take it that you don't particularly like Minwax water based stains then. Yes I've recently seen several pine pieces that just had clear finish on them too and they did look great but I thought I'd experiment on some scape pieces with stain just to see.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

So Jeffrey I take it that you don't particularly like Minwax water based stains then. Yes I've recently seen several pine pieces that just had clear finish on them too and they did look great but I thought I'd experiment on some scape pieces with stain just to see.

Well, if thats the case my suggestion would be to seal wood, then apply gel stain to unit.
I personally am not a big fan of stain. I have a Garnet Shellac that I use on Cherry sometimes. That is about as close to staining that I come. I love woods natural or slightly enhanced look.

[New Guy]

I used that stain on my family room furniture. I havent staind much wood before
and found it to be very difficult and unforgiving. But I keep practicing because I like the fast dry time, no toxic smell, easy clean up. Within three days I can have my work done and ready to enjoy. Thats one coat of prestain, two coats of stain and a coat of poly. This was on red oak and was my first attempt at furniture. I dont know too much about wood.

[lcm1947]

You'd think as much as they sell of the stuff and that every store in the world seems to sell it it would be great stuff. Thanks for the replies I guess I'll pass on it and try something from Woodcraft or Rocklers.