Does dry wood furniture need to be treated before staining?

Question

I'm getting ready to finish an old outdoor glider/bench. The wood is VERY dry. Should I rub this down with some kind of furniture oil before trying to stain it? The wood is so dry it is starting to crack a little in some places, and the surfaces are kind of textured.

Answer 1

No, you might want to sand first, though, and check all joints, they might need reglueing.

Answer 2

I would treat the furniture with a wood conditioner prior to staining.  The wood conditioner penetrates the wood and helps the wood accept the stain evenly.  This will only work with oil based stains.

Answer 3

Depends on the stain.

As mentioned ,would not use an oil.

An exterior stain ( transparent or opaque )  can go over something like Woodlife after it is completely dry.

Might be easier to use a tinted deck stain like CWF for color & protection.

Answer 4

No, anything like oil would stop the stain soaking in.

In fact, you should lightly sandpaper along the grain to

remove oily finger marks, as they, too, will stop the stain

soaking in and leave patches.

Answer 5

I agree DO not put oil before you stain it. Sand it down fill in the cracks if need be. Because it is and outdoor furniture it will dry and crack.

Answer 6

Order of task.

1. Sand and fill/repair as necessary

2. Stain

3. Oil or apply other protective coat