no photos tonite but I did a couple of new test strips with a slight improvement in results, but still no cigar. I don't quite have the right kit yet as I don't have any oil paints of a suitable colour. I might go to the art supplies shop tomorrow and buy a tube of sienna or similar.
This is all baby steps so far, but ive worked out the best method for me so far is to apply the light shade as the base coat. Whilst I still don't have a marketable result yet, I can tell that dark as the over wash on a light basecoat as is recommended in the instruction link I posted is a better way than the other way round. Sponge or foam applied is better than brush applied.......I'm sure Ive seen foam applicators at the hardware store......I'm thinking a cheap foam applicator and oil based dark hue top coat applied over a solid lighter solid acrylic base coat.
if I cant get the woodgrain finish working I'll not lose too much sleep over it, a solid colour would not be the end of the world, though I admit if I cant master it I will be disappointed.
Will try to post some results tomorrow night guys but have a short trip for about a week coming up before the weekend...... .