HerHusband wrote:

I wiped on a coat of Min-Wax Prestain Conditioner.

Isn't that stuff just thin shellac?

I have no idea, but it's fairly inexpensive, widely available, and
does a great job.


When you stain on top of it, are you applying the stain rather
heavily, like paint?

Let's suppose after the conditioner, you apply stain, then within a
couple minutes wipe the stain off with a cloth. Is there any color
left? I think I'm trying to ask if the conditioner seals the wood and
causes the stain application to simply be a coating on the surface of
the wood.

I did try it once long ago and if I recall, I didn't really like the
results. But I'd certainly be willing to re-visit it.