Cerumen, or earwax, is a secretion formed by a gland in the ear canal of humans and most other mammals.
MinwaxÂ® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is specifically designed for use before staining new or bare soft and porous wood surfaces. It penetrates the grain of the wood to promote uniform acceptance of stain. Prior to staining, apply a liberal coat of the Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner.Allow it to penetrate for 5-15 minutes, then wipe away the excess with a cloth. In fact, for highly absorbent woods, you can then apply a second coat, wait, and wipe away the excess again.. Prepare consists of getting the wood surface ready for stain and finish application, and includes wood conditioning. Before you start a refinishing or finishing project, be sure that the wood's surface is dry and free of old finishes in poor condition, paint, wax, grease, polish, dirt or other foreign matter.
You should wait about 1 month for the wood to dry out. If you have a moisture meter test it in a few spots. You would like the reading to be below 13%. I would use an oil based stain instead of paint. one month minimum dry time is recommended. That said, I'd wait as long as the painting season permits. If you have three months before it will get cold down there, then wait until then. It's important to have three good, consecutive dry days before applying the stain when ultimately decide to do it.