The other day, I completed the construction of a framed stand that I made for a Lithophane that I carved out. This stand was made from Poplar, and (knowing the thirstiness of end grain) I called myself treating it with some Minwax Wood Conditioner. The end result was horrendous, after the application of stain. So much so that I had no recourse but to trash the stand. What is the BEST way to deal with the end grain of wood, when preparing for a good staining?