Finding flaws after you start

[Workingman]

I am new to the finishing end of things. I am working on a poplar bodied tele. I thought I did good prep until I put a layer of primer on. The end grain just sucked it in and I found a few flaws in the face that I could not see in the raw. Is this normal? If so, how do I avoid it?

[killemall8]

What grit are you sanding to? End grain can be a pain. On my last grit, i always sand the end grain with the grain, instead along side of it, Which is usually up and down.

Are you talking paint primer?
I have scratches show up every now and then. The middle grits are really the ones you have to pay attention to.

[Workingman]

I sanded to 320. I was under the impression that poplar didn't need grain sealer. It is a rattle can job and it will be a solid color so yes paint primer. I will try sanding with the grain on the end grain. Thanks.

[westhemann]

You should still seal the end grain on poplar.I am not sure that you shouldn't seal end grain on everything...I seal all wood regardless of type,but since end grain is actually how a tree sucks water up inside itself I always figure it is going to suck up whatever you put on it until it is sealed.

The primer will seal it eventually,you'll just need to keep applying and sanding until it fills the pores and levels out.

[ScottR]

Since you are painting you can also fill any scratches with a spot filler and prime again. I'm a sanding fanatic and somehow always find something during finishing that was invisible till then.

SR

[Prostheta]

End grain tries to suck up everything you will throw at it. A wash coat of dewaxed shellac is a great sealer prior to priming.

[Workingman]

Thanks all.