I am using the following steps (on a sample piece so far) to get a nice mission oak appearance on quarter sawn white oak.

Step 1 was to apply a base stain/dye

Step 2 was apply shellac

Step 3 was sand the shellac lightly

Step 4 was apply an old english gel stain and work into the pours (also from Minwax)

Step 4?5 Do I sand here at 320+, or with WetDry or use steel wool OR NOT sand at all

Step 5 was to apply a top coat of wipeon-poly from Minwax

My question is.. between steps 4 and 5 (gel stain to poly) should I lightly sand the gel stain coat.  I did on a sample, but it really dulled the appearance and even after 2 coats of the wipeon poly, It appears to be duller than I had anticipated.  I used 400grit wetdry paper with water at this set and if definately killled the luster from the gel stain.

The wipeon poly restored some of the luster,, but not all.  Other wise, this process worked well and gave me a beautiful finish to the oak.

What are your recommendations, Thanks in advance

RichD