Corona-Backer - new build

[jimmyinferno]

Hi everyone in guitar builder land.
I thought I'd jump on this forum early as I know i'll be looking for lots of advice.
With the impending lockdown and hopefully lots of time on my hands I'm looking for something to do in between endless rounds of XBox golf.
I have an RC-1 kit which I got as a gift last year and only now getting around to it (i built an SG with my son last year which was great fun, but i have to admit it plays a lot better than it looks).

I'm going to go for a classic Rickenbacker tobacco-burst finish, or midnight blue. My decision will partly hinge on the eases of getting a killer finish - if anyone has any opinion on this, and recommended materials for getting the colour/ stain down, I would love to hear them.

*Note my poll should read 'Tobacco Burst', not Post. Can't figure out how to edit it.

Also my first question - how do i deal with the binding when staining or varnishing the body. Do i need to mask it, or can i just stain over it and clean it afterwards> I assume my top coat of varnish or lacquer goes straight over the binding>

Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions,

Thanks in advance

Sam