> Jack, Toothpicks most likely will not hide the hole and may in fact, look
> more obtrusive than the hole that you are trying to fill. Most wood, once
> saturated with epoxy, takes on a darker coloring than when dry, and
> different grain within the same strip can take on different appearances as
> well. In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to match the color of
> the surrounding wood by using the end grain of a toothpick. Most people
> opt not to try to hide the staple holes; however, if you are interested in
> trying, my suggestion would be to use colored latex caulking - the type
> that comes in small toothpaste sized squeeze tubes. I've had the best luck
> with a brand called, interestingly enough, "Staples". There are
> various colors, any of which can be blended to achieve custom colors.

> Steaming the staple holes will help to close them up slightly, but will
> not appreciably hide them once the epoxy hits it. As far as the steam
> damaging the glue between the strips - it won't - it may soften it ever so
> lightly initially, but once the steam has dissipated, the glue will dry as
> good as new.

> Joe Greenley

Joe, toothpicks for staple holes is not a good idea, however it looks great on a S&G boat. The wires, when tightened elongate the hole and when filled with epoxy or any other filler look ragged and like a filled hole. The toothpicks (square style only) on the other hand, reshape the hole and wet out to a color almost the same as Okume plywood and matches cedar perfectly. They look like tiny plugs evenly spaced, rather than ragged "filled holes"

I have used them on 2 boats, a S&G seakayak and a Wee lassie canoe (for nail holes, not staple holes). I think it is worth the extra time for the better look. Try filling the holes several different ways on scrap wood and make your decision from what pleases you.

Larry C.