I realize that this is a bit late to reply to, but here goes, anyhow.
I used my technique back when I was building sailing ships, large scale. It was used on 2 Thermopylaes, 1 Cutty Sark, 2 Constitutions (All Revel 1:96) and Heller's large scale Solie Royale, Galley Royale and HMS Victory.
First I'd spray the decks flat white (Testor's Spray) then give then a couple of days to dry. That part is easy, but the paint has to be completely dry. Otherwise the process doesn't work.
Next I'd get a can of Satin Stain wood stain and sealer. Using a half, or one inch, brush, I'd Paint over the surface. But series of single, continuous strokes, only. No overlap. This stuff dissolves the Testors like paint remover, but won't wipe off. so it has to be continuous strokes, NO Touch-up, for at least 2 days. It'll even craze bare plastic, if you try a second stroke. It can takes two or three applications to cover everything. And lay the decks flat, to dry, otherwise it will run, NOT GOOD!
I used mahogany and maple for all, but HMS Victory, on her, I used oak. It looked really good, like oak long exposed to the weather. It matched the unfinished oak wood porch deck, at the back of our house.
Because of the wood grain and seams, cast on these decks, the sealer settles into the low points, making them darker. The stain also settles out, so when done, it looks and feels smooth.
Many people though the models were wooden models, due to the appearance of the decks. Not just the color effect, but it had the finished appearance of lacquered wood. So I was very satisfied with the results.
It has the advantages of being easy and simple, and you get pick the type of wood you want to simulate.. But the disadvantages are, it's very time consuming and, if you mess up, you'll need a new deck. There's no going back and fixing it. Major disadvantage!!
If anyone wants to try it, Good Luck. If there are any questions, I'm always here.
