[glyphmon]

After some denatured alcohol wiping and a light sanding, I've got the majority of the walnut looking pretty uniform.  Besides the stains near the bottom, there is one darker patch up top still that I may try to sand down a little more, but I almost think I can live with it the way it is.

   
   
Note the supervisor in the photo silently judging my efforts.

I've been digging into old posts about grain filler and sanding sealer and I think I want to go with the Timbermate Walnut grain filler.

That said, I found in a reply in a from Russ (I think) in a thread from 2018, that the proper order would be:
1. Sanding sealer
2. Grain filler
3. Toner
4. Top coat(s)

Now, I think I'd like to stick with the current color of the walnut on the sides and top, rather than attempt to tone it further.  Once the grain filler is applied and I'm happy with the outcome, should I go over it with sanding sealer again, as I saw Ron did on his 38-14 and 39-7 projects from 2011?  And then directly from that to top coat?

Are there any specific product recommendations for the sanding sealer and top coat?  Lacquer seems to be the general consensus on the way to go for the top coat to stay somewhat authentic.  Keep in mind, I'll need to use aerosols at this point as I lack a compressor and accompanying spraying equipment.  I've seen Mohawk's products touted a lot, but for a person new to this space as well, picking the right one(s) is a bit overwhelming.

As far as end result, I'd like to avoid a really high gloss.  I'm good with semi-gloss outcome, not sure if satin might be too dull.  Ron's outcome on the 38-14 and 39-7 look what I can only describe as velvety, and I like it a lot.

As for the front wood, hopefully I'll get a chance to start working on something interesting for that in the next few days.  Dyes have arrived and I need to strategize.

Best wishes,
Roy