Black wood stain ?

[Ira]

I think one way to get the grain to show thru is not to sand off all the grain. Yeah...now I say that after you've spent hours sanding it smooth.

Dale, it's this incredibly PRE-sanded ply I bought. You're probably right though.

Kerry, I may wind UP going paint. In that instance, do I still spar varnish?

[cracker39]

Ira, on advice from others, I sprayed on thinned spar varnish to seal the wood before I primed it. I think my varnish was thinned about 15%, but I think that MJ says 10% is better. I probably got it too thin, but at least it soaks in well. Brush straight varnish on the exposed edges of the ply a couple of times too. Those edges will suck up water big time if not sealed.

[Ira]

Ira, on advice from others, I sprayed on thinned spar varnish to seal the wood before I primed it. I think my varnish was thinned about 15%, but I think that MJ says 10% is better. I probably got it too thin, but at least it soaks in well. Brush straight varnish on the exposed edges of the ply a couple of times too. Those edges will suck up water big time if not sealed.

I'm not going to varnish before staining.

Plus, I'm NOT paying for any spraying thingies. I've spent ENOUGH already.

But do you mean if i decide to paint?

Man, the way I'm going, I'm only gonna be able to afford 10 cases of Bud for my first weekend trip. And how long will THAT last me!?

[cracker39]

The varnish is to seal the wood before PAINTING, not staining. You DO STAIN first, then VARNISH.

I thought of you today when I bought a case of Bud Select.

[Finntec]

I could not get into school (work) today. Spring break is this week, so I could not check my catalogs. How about talking to some custom furnature or guitar makers? They may use some higher quality stains. Has anyone tried gel stains?