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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @C807546. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about paint.
Treated pine can be painted in a way that conceals the grain, but there are a few steps involved to get the best finish. The key is to sand the wood smooth before painting, as this will help fill in the grain and create a better surface for the paint to adhere to. You may need two coats of paint to ensure full coverage, as treated pine can sometimes absorb the paint differently depending on how smooth the surface is. If you’re aiming for a completely smooth, grain-free finish, it’s also a good idea to use a primer designed for wood, especially for treated timber. This will help seal the surface and prevent the grain from showing through while giving the paint a better base to stick to.
You did mention that the tree is made from treated pine, so I want to check if you’re concerned about the treated pine itself as well. The chemicals used to treat pine can be a concern if your cat is chewing on it, as some of those treatments may not be pet-safe.
On a different note, if you’re looking for a way to keep the tree out of your cat's reach without compromising on its aesthetic, you could think about creating a pedestal or stand for the tree that elevates it off the ground. This would keep it safe from the cat's nibbling, though I understand that sometimes raising things up just makes them more tempting. Alternatively, you could look into covering the lower branches with something that might be less appealing to chew on, like a fabric.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
