PAINT GRADE IS MAPLE OR BIRCH MATERIAL THAT HAS COLOUR VARIATIONS SUCH AS DARK MARKS IN THE GRAIN THAT DOES NOT MAKE IT SUITABLE FOR CLEAR COAT OR LIGHT COLOURED STAINS, IT IS HOWEVER PERFECT FOR PAINTING. THERE ARE NO DEFECTS OR KNOTS IN THE WOOD JUST THE ODD DARK MARK AND THAT IS WHY IT IS CALLED PAINT GRADE IN THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY.