1) random width and pattern black sharpie lines, rub back with 000 synthetic steel wool to fade and blend stripes with natural grain. Study natural striped wood to replicate. Avoid bold lines, use a worn sharpie for best results.
2) aquafortis
3) aquafortis again
4) coat of honey or golden brown stain.
5) coat of red oak stain.
6) with a 5/8" flat oil painter's brush apply several very thin coats of true oil lightly tinted with burnt umber powdered pigment. Stretch each stroke as far as possible to keep coats thin. Rub all the shine down with the 000 synthetic steel wool between coats.
7) apply truoil lightly tinted with bone black or Ivory Black pigment in the same manner as the burnt umber in places that would indicate age and use. Apply around muzzle end, along ramrod channel, around lock mortise, butt plate, cheek piece, etc. Rub back and fade edges with 000 synthetic steel wool.
8) apply alternating coats of burnt umber and bone black to create depth and fading/feathering between colors. Apply the burnt umber over the black, but only apply the black in the same areas as before. Rub the shine off between all coats with 000 synthetic steel wool.
When final coloring, depth, and look, is achieved rub the shine off again and apply several coats of Axe Wax or Renaissance Wax.
9) let people marvel over your beautiful piece of curly maple.
