Replies

1. 
   revbob | May 12, 2021 09:37am | #1

   I'm assuming you would like to have a nice smooth surface to finish and end grain doesn't always offer that feature. You might consider one of these two choices.
   1. Tape the edge grain right up to the end grain to protect edge grain and flood the end grain with thin CA glue. Wipe off the residue and make sure it doesn't overflow the edges and get on the edge grain. Once it hardens remove the protective tape, sand it and finish. This also helps to keep the end grain color more consistent with the edge grain as it won't over absorb the finish. It will however be somewhat darker. Do some testing first.
   2. You can use a shooting board and a very sharp plane to achieve a smooth polished end grain. Even with this you may want to pre-flood the end grain with thin CA glue.

   Good luck...

1. 
   user-7816386 | May 12, 2021 09:52am | #2

   Thanks. I tried the second idea but didn’t use the CA glue. My work was very unsatisfactory. I was using a block plane but it may not have been sharp enough. Could be worth trying again.

2. 
   stantheman | May 12, 2021 06:42pm | #3

   I think you're talking about filling the end grain so it doesn't absorb stain unevenly? I think common practice is to use thinned PVA glue (aka sizing) for this, regular grain filler (like Crystalac or Behlens), sanding sealer, or thinned shellac (aka a seal coat).

3. 
   mikaol | May 12, 2021 07:12pm | #4

   Or, you could check out Jeff Jewitt's article on pore filling from 12/4/20 on this site. If that's how you decide to go, WoodMagazine.com & Woodcraft.com also have good articles on the subject.
   Be wary - it's sloppy work but you'd love the results.
   Mikaol