I stained the strip deck of my CLC Millcreek with mixed results. I did use a water based stain as per the recommendations of others here. The problem I had with it is that the stuff would evaporate before penetrating well. Additional layers of stain simply built up an ever darkening scum on the wood surface. I finally had to remove it all. Which was easy, since it's a water based stain a wet sponge removes it. Only a little remained in the wood. Perhaps it would penetrate better kept in a cool damp environment. I ran out of patience. I've had no problems with the epoxy not seeming to penetrate the wood...yet. The boat is rather new and only has a few hours paddling on it. But it has survived many more hours lashed to a roof rack being taken around and shown off.

Varnishing as a final step worked wonders on the luster of mine. I don't know why, but it did. Heck, it was over the shiny epoxy coat, so it couldn't change the appearance of the wood itself. That said, it most certainly did.

Judicious painting to enhance the beauty of the wood is a distinct possibility. I would recommend water paints to allow the epoxy to get a good bond on the wood. Just as many pieces of furniture are made beautifull with a touch of paint (my favorite being wooden chairs with a touch of green trim), so to could a kayak be enhanced.

> Hello - Yes, its me again with another question. First of all
> thanks to those who helped me decide on a boat. I have decided to
> build the CLC Chesapeake Light 16. The only problem is that my husband
> has the Chesapeake 17 in all natural varnish. Well, if I put in all
> that work - I want mine to be different. We've talked about painting
> the hull of my boat, but that kinda defeats the purpose of building
> an all wooden boat. Staining came up also, but with lots of aprehension.
> Can you stain the hull to darken/color the wood but still show the
> grain before applying epoxy and glass ? If not, any other alternatives?
> Thanks again for the help. -Holli