> G'day mates!

> Got lots of clear cedar out here on the west coast of Vancouver Island but
> having a heck of a time finding redwood. Have even phoned all the
> lumber/finishing stores on the Canadian mainland with no success.

> Question of the week: Why can't I stain some of my cedar a darker colour?
> A friend in the home decorating business tells me that I will notice the
> difference right away - a flat, consistent, un-natural tint. But thought I
> would pose the question to this forum, anyone out there stained there
> cedar a darker colour? were you pleased with results? would you do it
> again?

> thanks in advance!

> Warren

Warren, I stained my hull with waterbased stain and am happy with the results. I also used bleach to lighten the cedar in some areas with limited success. My boat is still under construction, so I don't have a long term report, but the epoxy appears to have adhered just fine to the stain and bleached area.

Be aware that stain doesn't penetrate glue. When you are finished sanding prior to staining, "wet-out" the surface with rag dampened with water - left over glue will become obvious, and will have to be removed.

I thinned my stain 50% with water primarily to lighten the color, but feel I also got increased penetration as a result.

DC