wad up sjbkicker39..........cedar would be my choice for the pencil popper ........i use cedar on all my surface plugs.........i like it cause it has floating power.......one thing to remember dont rush.......keep it simple........and let your plugs dry real good before each and every process..........sealing,primeing,painting and finishing.......... ther aint nothin worse when your fishing your new plug.......and after a couple of cast your plug sheds its coat like a snake or a bad sunburn.........................good luck my friend.............and welcome to the site...............never be affraid to ask a question here....