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Author Topic:   Stain for Mahogany

gshalogian posted 05-24-2010 11:59 AM ET (US)
I need to re-varnish the mahogany blocks that hold the cooler and seat in place in front of the center console on my Montauk. The varnish has worn off to the bare wood in two spots, and the color is not the soft amber of the still protected areas. [Give] advice on what stain to use to match the color of the wood, if any.
Tohsgib posted 05-24-2010 12:05 PM ET (US)
Sand until it is the amber color.
L H G posted 05-24-2010 06:03 PM ET (US)
After stripping and sanding the mahogany cooler cleats to bare wood, I use Zar #120 Teak stain before re-varnishing (since all the other wood on the boat is teak).
I also install 3/8-inch mahogany pegs in the screw holes, and re-drill, eliminating the countersunk surface. Then the oval head screws are installed through a fender washer and finishing washer. This way the finishing washer will not cut the varnish "skin" and water is kept out.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2019/?action=view& current=R1-20.jpg
L H G posted 05-25-2010 04:54 PM ET (US)
I just realized that my screw detail works on the Outrage cooler cleats, but not the Montauk, since the cooler actually rests on the cleats.
To also not tear up the varnish coating with flat head screws, I sould use pan head screws, with the head recessed by a speedbore bit counterbore the diameter of the head.
PeteB88 posted 05-25-2010 07:29 PM ET (US)
I say don't put stain on high quality marine mahogany - it's just too cool. Pros can get away with matching boards but the bad boys make their own formulations. I have never seen stained mahogany on a Whaler that looks right.
Keep it natural. It's amazing wood and spar varnish brings out the best of its natural characteristics.
Tohsgib posted 05-26-2010 11:38 AM ET (US)
All varnish has some stain in it already, it is not clear.
MarcoWhalo posted 05-26-2010 05:15 PM ET (US)
Most likely there was no stain to begin with. Mahogany gets really dark when stained. I have left mine natural. All coatings with UV protection are going to darken/stain it anyway.
Orca posted 05-27-2010 09:41 PM ET (US)
You have the best of the best advice.
PeteB88 posted 05-27-2010 11:34 PM ET (US)
If you want to know what it will look like w/ clear finish just moisten it a bit - (saliva works, a little H20) the tone of the wood will be revealed. Just imagine it shiny and richer - I do it all the time even w/ antique furniture I get sometimes. I am into Heywood Wakefield stuff. I also recommend high gloss for boats.
I just read a post from Tom Clark - great advice, "don't over think it..." I do that all the time.
I am also not sure I agree w/ my pal Nick that all varnish has stain. I don't think high quality marine spar varnish has any stain mixed in. Just oils, resin, solvents.
Have fun with it.
Tohsgib posted 05-28-2010 11:53 AM ET (US)
Whatever it is Pete it stains and is not clear. Drip ANY varnish on your white hull and see what color it is. I use only the best varnishes available and they are all a medium amber in color.
PeteB88 posted 05-28-2010 12:41 PM ET (US)
Agree Tohs, amber - I think it's resins but who knows? Stain would stain your skin I think, like Minwax Special Walnut.
Slap the stuff on it and run the boat or be like me - if I don't get the Whalers out more this year I am going change my CW user name to DW2 = Drive Way Whaler.

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Author	Topic: Stain for Mahogany
gshalogian	posted 05-24-2010 11:59 AM ET (US) I need to re-varnish the mahogany blocks that hold the cooler and seat in place in front of the center console on my Montauk. The varnish has worn off to the bare wood in two spots, and the color is not the soft amber of the still protected areas. [Give] advice on what stain to use to match the color of the wood, if any.
Tohsgib	posted 05-24-2010 12:05 PM ET (US) Sand until it is the amber color.
L H G	posted 05-24-2010 06:03 PM ET (US) After stripping and sanding the mahogany cooler cleats to bare wood, I use Zar #120 Teak stain before re-varnishing (since all the other wood on the boat is teak). I also install 3/8-inch mahogany pegs in the screw holes, and re-drill, eliminating the countersunk surface. Then the oval head screws are installed through a fender washer and finishing washer. This way the finishing washer will not cut the varnish "skin" and water is kept out. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v429/lgoltz/Outrage%2019/?action=view& current=R1-20.jpg
L H G	posted 05-25-2010 04:54 PM ET (US) I just realized that my screw detail works on the Outrage cooler cleats, but not the Montauk, since the cooler actually rests on the cleats. To also not tear up the varnish coating with flat head screws, I sould use pan head screws, with the head recessed by a speedbore bit counterbore the diameter of the head.
PeteB88	posted 05-25-2010 07:29 PM ET (US) I say don't put stain on high quality marine mahogany - it's just too cool. Pros can get away with matching boards but the bad boys make their own formulations. I have never seen stained mahogany on a Whaler that looks right. Keep it natural. It's amazing wood and spar varnish brings out the best of its natural characteristics.
Tohsgib	posted 05-26-2010 11:38 AM ET (US) All varnish has some stain in it already, it is not clear.
MarcoWhalo	posted 05-26-2010 05:15 PM ET (US) Most likely there was no stain to begin with. Mahogany gets really dark when stained. I have left mine natural. All coatings with UV protection are going to darken/stain it anyway.
Orca	posted 05-27-2010 09:41 PM ET (US) You have the best of the best advice.
PeteB88	posted 05-27-2010 11:34 PM ET (US) If you want to know what it will look like w/ clear finish just moisten it a bit - (saliva works, a little H20) the tone of the wood will be revealed. Just imagine it shiny and richer - I do it all the time even w/ antique furniture I get sometimes. I am into Heywood Wakefield stuff. I also recommend high gloss for boats. I just read a post from Tom Clark - great advice, "don't over think it..." I do that all the time. I am also not sure I agree w/ my pal Nick that all varnish has stain. I don't think high quality marine spar varnish has any stain mixed in. Just oils, resin, solvents. Have fun with it.
Tohsgib	posted 05-28-2010 11:53 AM ET (US) Whatever it is Pete it stains and is not clear. Drip ANY varnish on your white hull and see what color it is. I use only the best varnishes available and they are all a medium amber in color.
PeteB88	posted 05-28-2010 12:41 PM ET (US) Agree Tohs, amber - I think it's resins but who knows? Stain would stain your skin I think, like Minwax Special Walnut. Slap the stuff on it and run the boat or be like me - if I don't get the Whalers out more this year I am going change my CW user name to DW2 = Drive Way Whaler.