: The real reason most builders don't stain wood is simply because you're
: taking a gamble with epoxy adhesion.

I think this is why others here have suggested using dye instead of stain. Still, a few trial pieces would be in order. I seem to remember someone here trying dyes that soaked the wood for long periods. In most cases, the dyes penetrated very little and any sanding would remove them. Probably the only way to get good penetration would be to pressure treat the strips which is not a very good solution for most of us.

I also remember someone suggesting that a design could be put on a stripped piece and the outlines scored with a sharp knife to prevent bleeding of dyes/stains across the pattern. I have considered this but not tried it. I think it would require the gaps between the strips be sealed well, e.g. filled with glue. All this would of course take place as the step before glassing.

Bill Price