Well knocked about, rough as old boots..........perfect, I love it!
Great work Adrian, and I wouldn't be too bothered about the stain. By the time you've added a bit of rubble and the dio. is finished, it probably won't be noticed....
I do think though that black might be too 'heavy' and take the eye away from the subject, so perhaps a light wood stain or a light brown paint?
Ron
Just had another look at the stains.
How about painting the base surround whatever colour you fancy, then when you add the rubble/dust ect., paint around the top edge with P.V.A. and sprinkle any spare dust onto that.
This will hide the stain and finish the base to a nice edge. Could work!