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I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do this in their blogs, but has anyone out there stained their spars at all?

I got one coat of varnish on my spars but it wouldn’t ever cure so I’ve sanded down to bare wood and thinking I might take the opportunity to stain. Another story as to why I went all way through the epoxy to bare, but here I am.

I don’t know how to describe the color but it’s oakish i guess. it’s not dark really but it really browns up the timber. Anyway, regardless of the color I’m wondering if anyone else has done it and if you have pics.

Thanks!

G'Day Martin,
I intend to use a mahogany stain on my transom, I haven't thought about the spars as yet. I'm using a brand called "Feast Watson" traditional spirit-based stain. I contacted the technical department of the epoxy resin I'm using, and this is what they suggested and were very helpful on the process as follows:

1) Thoroughly mix the stain into the first mix of undiluted epoxy and apply.
2) lightly sand.
3) Apply another coat of undiluted epoxy but no stain.
4) Lightly sand
5) Then apply many coats of clear laquear and light sanding between to achieve the desired finish.

I firstly did a test piece on scrap to determine the amount of stain required to achieve the desired effect with the quantity being used, this can be a bit tricky requiring the use of syringes to measure the correct ratio of stain. Sorry no Pics.
I hope this helps mate.
Cheers Terry from Down Under.

https://hookypocketship.blogspot.com

Thanks Terry, I've not considered applying the stain mixed into first coat of epoxy. On my test pieces I've just been wiping it on, then applying epoxy. Seems to work ok.

Is there any advantage of mixing with the epoxy besides skipping a step and saving some time?

Martin
The techno’s advised that the first coat of epoxy was a protective/densifier layer so adding the stain in the epoxy allowed it to soak nicely into the grain. The subsequent layers of epoxy and lacquer worked to enhance the stain. But they did advise to do a number of test pieces with different concentrations of stain until you find your desired effect. Another labour and time intensive process.
Cheers mate
Terry