wood that doesn't need sealer
 

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

c
 

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.