I am calling on the wisdom of NCWW. I have just finished two built ins for my sister, and made them from some old poplar my father had in his building. The original plan was for her to paint them. Well, plans have apparently changed. Having known she was going to change her mind, I would have made her cabinets from a different wood. I have only used poplar as a secondary wood, and have only heard nightmare stories of trying to stain it. Any experience taming this unstainable wood is much appreciated. I do not want to make this into a 50 step seal, stain, tone, spray project. Thanks for any advice.