Michael Grace
Lifetime Member
How many quarts are needed? Zero. Anyone can do whatever they want with their own canoes. To my eye, however, stains most often just muddy up the wood and unnaturally accentuate its growth rings - wood that probably would have been gorgeous with good preparation and a high quality varnish job. This is not to criticize anyone; it's just my observation of canoes (and other boats) I've seen, and it's based upon my own personal preferences. At least consider getting your hull as clean as possible and sanded well. Then apply some thinned varnish or even just some mineral spirits to see what the wood will look like. If your prep work is good, the wood will probably be stunning.
