I am a new member so take that into consideration with my response. I make calls with 2 types of surfaces, slick and bead blasted. The bead blasted requires no conditioning for an extensive period of time. When I make calls with a slick surface I condition only a small area towards the about 1/2" from the edge and the area is only about 1 inch. I condition it in one direction and run the striker diagonally against the grain.