RE: Sealing and Painting Balsa
You have to use something stabilize the grain and keep the resin from soaking into the grain. 3/4ounce glass cloth and epoxy is your best bet. You can also use tissue and dope or silkspan to achieve the same effect at the sacrifice of ding resistance. Some old timers use dope and talcum powder to seal the grain then prime and paint. Very light, but prone to dings as well.