I will be painting my Victory, what is the best way to stain/colour the decks. Have tried a med oak spirit stain but wood comes up nothing like the colour chart withthe stain

Anyone help out a novice

hi comic..i work in this industry as jase said its trial an error.....firstly to get a good stain on ur deck or piece of wood it needs to be clean,clean it by sanding it with 120 grade wet and dry paper or fine wire wool with a drop of white spirit then apply a thin coat of oil mixed 40% oil 60% spirit with a cloth u can then see if the surface is clean but after 30 seconds go over it with another cloth to dry it,it will still take a stain.. if u choose a stain which is too dark u can lighten it with a spot of white spirit on a fine piece of wire wool and rub it evenly on the decking or you can lighten it first by mixing it with danish or teak oil if its to light add more stain if its too dark add more oil...when you finally have your chosen colour leave to dry then apply 2 coats of neat oil but remember to rag the oil off after 30 secs or so,leave to dry then seal with clear varnish...hope this helps