is there such an animal?

cedar?

cedar plugs{boat/tuna plugs} aren't sealed are they?

Some of the cedars can be used without sealing. However, you will improve the durability of the wood and possibly the finish by sealing all wood.

Jigman

If I'm not mistaken cedar plugs for tuna are not painted.
Any wood is gonna swell when wet, so if its painted and the wood swells I expect its gonna crack the paint job. I would think if the plug is gonna be finished it oughta be sealed as well.
Hey, I'm no expert its just seems logical to me.:p

Freak. I use red cedar. It needs sealer. I use two coats minwax, three coats Bins .

I seal everything .. what rocfish said.. any moisture absorbed into the wood and pop goes your finish . using valoil now .. kind with no wax in it ..

Teak? :huh: It has alot of oils and except for epiphanes won't take varnish,but i don't know about paint.