Stain

Submitted bycapehorn3 onSun, 03/21/2021 - 10:26

I have access to clear air dried cypress that is a joy to work with compared to the kiln dried cedar available locally. The problem is I don't like the color, can I stain the whole canoe, inside and out satisfactorily? What products can you recommend? Thanks

John VanBuren

Sun, 03/21/2021 - 11:10

Do not use an oil stain! Epoxy will not stick to anything with an oil base.

I have had good luck with a dye from Belhems. I mixed it 50/50 with their thinner.

I have read that some water-based dyes or stains work well too. But I have no experience with them. So by all means experiment before applying to your finished product.

Hopefully, others can contribute and help you out.

Have Fun,

John VB

 

JayBabina

Mon, 03/22/2021 - 07:39

You want to use an alcohol based stain. Be careful with "water based stains" like you see in discount and hardware stores like Minwax stain. Those water stains have an acrylic base with can interfere with epoxy adhesion. Acrylic will seal the wood. The alcohol stains will sink in deep into the wood fiber leaving it open. Nick might have a video on staining?  I would delute it and use many coats because it can get blotchy according to how the wood absorbs it.

John VanBuren

Tue, 03/23/2021 - 17:16

That is an excellent article. I will print it out and add it to my library.

 

John V B