I am testing a 3/8 crown, 22 ga staple, 1/2 inch long as a candidate to staple the strips. The holes made by these staples are nearly invisible after removal:

http://techoninc.com/wood/Sample%201%20&%202%20before%20epoxy%20DSCF2397.jpg

But...

After the epoxy has been applied, there is a dark halo around the staple hole:

http://techoninc.com/wood/Sample%201%20&%202%20after%20epoxy%20DSCF2399.jpg

I have verified that the dark ring is not due to contamination (I am even using SS staples). I can create this dark area with any impact to the cedar. You notice that there are dark areas between some of the staple holes in sample 2. This is where the staple crown hit the wood. You notice that the edges of the cedar are dark also, but your mind tends to accept that since it just emphasizes the strips which contribute to the art of the kayak. Does anyone have an explanation for the dark areas and a solution to eliminate this dark ring around the staple? Of course filling the hole does not solve the problem.