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Hi All,

Never read anything about this, so here it is. I'm building a sapele sides/back classical and want to stain the sides/back. That in itself is no big thing except I considered staining the inside of the sides and back prior to assembly. But I don't know if the staining process will weaken the glue joints. I'm going to stain it tobacco brown antique, and sapele by itself is a very light colored wood and inside the hole is going to look sverely different than the outside. Is it a concern? What do you think? Why don't I just make it out of dark wood? Going after the tone and projection you get with the lighter woods. Thanks as always.

Dave

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If you used an alcohol or water stain I think you would be ok but would think you may have problems with an oil base stain. Have never done it my self so am not really sure.

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Todd, That's kinda what I've been leaning towards. I've never done a full stain before... always used one of rosewoods or mahogany, but sapele is just to light for me.

Dave

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Sapele is a light wood that needs staining? Have you seen it finished with clear or epoxy? I know, I need to post those pics. My guess is that staining it dark will kill off the amazing contrast (unless it has no real figure).

Mike

Hi Mike,

You nailed it. The set I got is as lifeless as you've ever seen.

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you can use a garnet shellac wash coat on the inside to darken things up. You can also add some Alchohol-based die to the mix if you want it darker.

Not use you need to do either with Sapele. I like it best with no stain or dye.

-jd