Sanding Sealer or not to Sanding Sealer.

According to the minwax site.

I hope you find this helpful.....

Q. What is the advantage to using Sanding Sealer?

Minwax® Sanding Sealer dries and is sandable in less that two hours. It reduces the time spent on a project, as well as the number of top-coats needed.

Q. Is Sanding Sealer the same as Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner?

No. Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner is used prior to staining to ensure even stain penetration and reduce blotchiness. Sanding Sealer is used to seal wood prior to topcoating with Polyurethane.

Q. Can stain be applied over Sanding Sealer?

No. Because sanding sealer completely seals the wood, it will prevent the wood from absorbing stain.

Q. Should Minwax® Sanding Sealer be used over stained wood?

Sanding Sealer can be used over wood stained with Minwax® Wood Finish Stain or Minwax® Gel Stain but it is not recommended. The purpose of Sanding Sealer is to seal the wood and form a base coat for a protective clear finish. If the wood has been stained, sanding sealer is not necessary. Also, it is possible to accidentally scuff the stain when sanding the Sanding Sealer.

Q. Can Minwax® Sanding Sealer be used with topcoats made by other manufacturers?

Sanding sealers and topcoats are usually designed as a system, insuring compatibility for optimal performance. Minwax® Sanding Sealer is specifically formulated for use under Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane and Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors. Many sanding sealers are not compatible with Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane, and Minwax® Sanding Sealer may not be compatible with other polyurethanes.