When painting some of the small toys I make, no matter how smooth I get the end grain it seems to soak up the paint. I some times  spray an extra coat of primer with not much better results.

I guess my question is what about using sanding sealer or "pre-stain conditioner"?

Thanks.

Zinsser Seal Coat is a shellac based sealer that I use. It comes in clear and amber. A coat or two with a light 400 grit sand to knock off the nibs and your ready to go. The stuff runs about $35 or do a gallon at the big box store.

Not sure about painting, but for staining- sanding the end grain to a finer grit than used on the rest of the project will help keep the stained end grain the same color as the "flat" sides.

One more thin about Seal Coat. Be sure to buy the de-waxed shellac.

KIDS TOYS ALERT!!!!!!!

 

They make the spray by krylon in clear so that all it is is the paint WITH NO PIGMENT in it. safe for kids.

 

Use that and keep spraying it till it quits absorbing it.

To make the end grain smooth, Lew is correct, go a grit above way the rest of the project has been sanded with. Also sand between coats on the end grain and you might have to put an extra coat on the end.

Like Ron Sed

Thanks for all the in-put. I'll play around some and see what happens.

I've had some success with penetrating epoxies.