by calden » Thu May 31, 2007 1:22 pm
Ethan:
I didn't have any stain on mine, but if I had I would have done what you are proposing, find a light stain to cover it up as best I could or use a tinted varnish. Even with perfectly clean wood the varnish makes it darker with multiple coats. You could always try some teak cleaner. I think it's base is oxalic acid. It will definitely clean up the wood that's not stained and may even lighten or wash out the stained area.
I'd go ahead and get it done whatever way possible so you can get on the water. If it's not a total cosmetic historical restoration no one else will notice slightly darker areas on the coamings, and after a few sails you won't care either.
If you find that it still bugs you, you can always get some new wood, shape it, varnish it, and put in on at a future date.
Carlos
DS I #1653