: I now have my kit from CLC--an Arctic Hawk. reading the 400 page book that
: came with it. The wood is rather drab, so I thought I would tint it.
: Rockler store tells me to coat the dye with shellac prior to glassing. I
: have a sense this is NOT a good idea.

I've been staining plywood boats for quite a while now with Behlens Solar Lux dye-stain. I've found this product to be very light-fast. It does not fade much, although it does change color a bit.

I don't think a seal coat of shellac is a good idea as it will interfere with the epoxy bond.

Although Solar Lux is a non-grain raising stain, raised grain is really not a problem as the wood is covered with fiberglass and epoxy so all evidence of raised grain is covered.

I stain the wood before assembling the panels and protect the surface under a seal coat of epoxy. Before glassing I lightly sand the surface then touch up any flaws.