maybe the "white wash", followed by a water-based clear finish? https://generalfinishes.com/all-colors

 

I read something yesterday about how they did this. As you said it's white wash (light white stain) followed by varnish which has an amber tint to it. So that's what I'll try next. Woodcraft Milwaukee has tried and true varnish and white wash stain. I suspect this is going to work! Will post a picture after the experiment. Thank you.

The only time i used a grain filler it was clear and used a squeegee to get it floating correctly then start with 320 and then 400 and 600 and finally you have a decent sheen and a planer surface but when you look at it directly you can see the grain.

 

Just ran across this.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/how-to-remove-water-stains-from-wood-according-to-an-expert/ar-AA1nm7t9?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=d1a75149d3c4409bfc02074756e9291c&ei=636