surface preparation recommendations.

[Johnnie2sheds]

Hello all,

Apparantly, if I've been a good lad, Santa is going to bring me a couple of IP Engineering freelance coach kits.
Like these:

http://www.ipengineering.co.uk/page96.html

I'm halfway through bodging a MOD brakevan from the same firm and am content to paint this vehicle with acrylic
paint. However, for the coach(es) I would like to stain them a nice wood colour before some sort of satin varnish
to finish.
Can anyone give me any tips on surface preparation and the manufacturers of any suitable stains and varnish?
For example, is it possible to stain the fret one colour, then stick it to the body stained in another colour?
Im a bit in the dark on this one so any help (pictures?) will be gratefully recieved.

While I'm on,Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.
May all your pressies contain choo choos
(not socks)
John

[MDLR]

Can anyone give me any tips on surface preparation and the manufacturers of any suitable stains and varnish?

I normally swear by Colron wood dye - available from my local B&Q...............

For example, is it possible to stain the fret one colour, then stick it to the body stained in another colour?

Certainly - in fact it's the only way to do it - the stain will go where it's not wanted much more easily than paint would, and once it HAS migrated, there's bu$$er all you can do about it, as it will have irretrievably soaked in! Let it all dry thoroughly before you assemble. If you try and stain assembled kits, any PVA that has got onto visible surfaces will not stain and show up white - don't ask me how I know this!

While I'm on,Just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

Thank you kindly (thinks, must look out suitable photo............)