Justin, I apply Doc Farwells over the whole scion to keep it from
drying out; the buds have no problem forcing through it (and are in
fact doing so right now). I wrap the graft itself with tape first so
the paint does not go into the crack. I don't know how likely that is
to cause problems, but no sense in risking it I figure.
Scott
[NAFEX] Cleft Grafting with Doc Farwells,
Scott Smith, 04/17/2010