MelissaS Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Okay, I know this is way basic, but I'm just getting started and I've already made my first mistake. I'm trying to restain an old wood table. I've stripped off the old finish successfully and sanded down to what I think is pine. Yesterday I put a thin coat of water-based wood conditioner on the surface. Today, about 24 hours later, I did my first coat of oil based stain and polyurethane in one. Then I realized the wood conditioner was water based. Doh. The stain seemed to go on okay, though it being my first time, I guess I don't really know. So, my question is, what do I do now? When I check it tomorrow what do I look for? Do I need to strip or sand it again and start over? If it seems okay, should I try a second/third coat? All I can find online is that you shouldn't mix water/oil based. But nothing about what happens if you do! Can anyone help? Sorry I know this must be an annoying newbie question! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deborahcomeaux Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 If the water based conditioner was thoroughly dry, shouldn't be a problem. Once stain/poly is dry - it should not be tacky. If it is, you may have trapped moisture under the stain/polyurethane. If it dries okay, you can go ahead and do additional coats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaS Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Thanks for answering! It didn't seem tacky, and I did another light sanding before applying the stain. What am I looking for if it wasn't dry? Raised grain? Should I give it a day or two before proceeding maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaS Posted May 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Oh, wait, I see what you're saying, sorry. I'll check the stain after it dries to see if it's tacky. If it is, do I need to apply stripper again? Or can I sand to get it right? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Let it dry a few extra days just to be safe. If it doesn't come off in sheets when you lightly sand or rub the surface you probably skirted disaster. I wouldn't build too thick of a finish on top of that, maybe 2 -3 thin coats max. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 I think you will be fine. Oil Poly should stick to cured waterbase wood conditioner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Wood conditioner if used properly does not create a film so you should be just fine. I use GF WB clear stain base as a "conditioner" before staining and topping with Arm r seal on a regular basis with no ill affect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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