Can I use epoxy over water-based or acrylic latex stain?

Yes. Water-based and alcohol-based stains are the best choice under UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy because they dry fast. Let the stain dry completely, usually about 24 hours, then brush the seal coat directly over it. No polyurethane is needed.

Acrylic latex stains, including water-cleanup deck and siding stains, are water-based and fall into the same category. Once completely dry (24 hours is usually enough), the epoxy can go directly over them without issues.

Wood conditioner followed by a waterborne stain should also be fine, as long as none of the products are oil-based and everything has fully dried before the epoxy goes on. We haven't tested wood conditioner directly, so make sure it has dried fully.

Stain the wood first, let it dry, then apply the epoxy over the top and sides. The epoxy isn't designed for the underside of a surface; many customers use an oil-based polyurethane or another sealer on the bottom instead.

This is general guidance. Some niche products may behave differently from the average stain of their type.