Actually, Tom, the Dumas kits come with a stain for the mahogany. Borabora, is it not in your kit?

Their typical stain goes on with an orange hue, but once varnihed, it gives the mahogany a glowing red color... good stuff. Other models may have darker colors, even black, for some contrasting trim work.

Don't use any combo stain-clear coats, no telling if the clear will work with your preferred choice of clears. Spar varnish, polyurethane, lacquers, and 2-part automotive clears all have their fans.

Pat Matthews
[link=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615166954]Mahogany in Scale[/link]