Actually, in the instruction book on page 20 on th e top right is when it tells you to use SIG Polyester Finishing Resin to completely seal the wood in thtis area. Then it says to sand it lightly then you can paint it. On my first SSE I just used 5 Min Epoxy and it worked fine. I never had a problem. I am gaoing to do the same eith my second one as well which is almost finished with the covering.