Reply by Bill White

I condition my woods with a seal coat of dewaxed shillac. Zinsser “Seal Coat” is the one I use.
The look you’re trying to achieve is similar to a “sunburst” finish used in the guitar industry. If you use a sprayer or a spray can, it is easier. Seal and stain the center areas, then shadow the edges with a darker stain. You might even try to dry brush the darker stained area to minimize the brush marks.
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us