I'll agree with John. I also use sanding sealer (Mylands, and others). But the purpose and need is the same - seal the pores. I also carefully inspect any open pore blanks - which I do like at times. If there is any dust, I'll use a shop vac to suck the particles out. If you use compressed air to try to blow out the particles, you may just push some further in. I have used both techniques, but have recently been more keen on the shop vac to pull the particles out. Also, when I apply a finish, I turn off all dust collection, overhead particle collectors, and miscellaneous machines that may stir up dust, blow dust, direct dust, etc... I don't want an air flow to be directed onto my lathe if that is where I'm applying my finish. A better solution would be to apply the finish in a "clean chamber" where no dust from other projects can get into your finishing process.
Have fun!