2 Color Staining Antique and Classic Wood Boats

Over the years I have seen many different staining processes used on covering boards and king planks. Some great, some not so great. I also have seen many painted black since the owner wasn’t sure how to do this. The following process has worked for me for a number of years producing nice warm rich color AND allowing the grain to be visible, especially in the sun.

This information refers mainly to the darker covering boards and king planks of some boats.

I believe the combination of the colors I use work better than just using a walnut stain. I found that the walnut stain can sometimes have a greenish cast in the sunlight after varnish is applied as will plain black sometimes.

A.) Tape off and protect the wood that gets the darker stain and proceed staining the hull sides, transom, and other parts of the decks.

B.) After the normal staining process apply sealer and maybe one coat of varnish. Allow the finish to cure enough so you can then reverse the taped area.

C.) Now apply the filler stain as usual to the wood to be darker with the filler stain that was used on the rest of the boat.

D.) As soon as you have completed staining the boat with the filler stain apply Minwax Ebony Penetrating Stain #2718 on the wood to be stained darker.

I like to use a small roller for this (less splattering) but a chip brush also works. Quickly wipe off the Minwax.

E.) Seal the wood with a separate brush and sealer. Dispose of properly when completed since you do not want to run the risk of using this sealer that now has the MINWAX in it on the rest of the boat or any other boat in the future by accident.

Now the whole boat can be varnished

Once the varnish is completed let it cure then stripe the seams and attach the hardware