Can't decide on color scheme

[magic]

Hi

I have a nice piece of maple that's 9" tall by 20" wide. It's going to be V carved with 6 lines of text that fills-up a good portion of the surface.

Right now the maple has a medium brown stain. I'd like to allow the grain to show - or - should I just paint the surface gloss black, apply masking, carve, spray clear, spray gold then remove the masking?

Opinions appreciated.

[jimboy]

yes to all of the above. I like black and gold the most.
Jim

[curtiss]

Have you ever tried the Minwax water-based color stains ?

Lots of colors, easy to clean up and not mess up... I like the charcoal color.

Seal the top, then stain the cut letters...

[magic]

I've decided to go with the black face and gold letters

thanks

I'll post it in a week or so