I think, I would try it out on a sample piece and probably follow directions on the can first. Then you will know. Personally, I have always let it dry. But, it seems to me, it always dried within that two hour time frame. Its been a while since I have done any staining on pine, except for a touch up on a couple of pieces. It is always best though to do a sample piece before you do a whole project.

Thank you cat_ky and JuneKnow. I’m doing a mantle. I appreciate your feedback!

I've stained pine and Douglas-fir using conditioner and also using dewaxed shellac in lieu of conditioner, and I usually let it go longer than two hours - but I also usually do a very fine sanding right before applying the stain. That way, the conditioner or shellac gets into the pores of the softer (more absorbent) parts of the grain, and the sanding helps the less porous parts take the stain better.

As mentioned above: Test it first. Always. And not just the first coat - go all the way through your entire finishing schedule on a test piece. Often intermediate results are not encouraging, but finish coats can really change the color, sheen, and chatoyance.

"Who should I trust?"

Manufacturers have guys in lab coats doing tests. These guys get paid no matter what. Professional finishers using the manufacturer's products only get paid when the lady is in love with the result. Now whom are you going to listen to please?