I would recommend using unbleached shellac flakes for your french polish. when mixed it looks like coffee but, it is quite transparent and brings out the figure as it soaks in. It will darken it a bit and and bring up the brown. Plus you'll have the advantage of a harder, more durable finish.
On another note, I had discovered really old Walnut tends to have much richer color and I worked hard to find old wood. I have since found that air dried Walnut also has more browns. Currently I'm thinking the air drying has more effect than age (the old wood was probably air dried). I believe kiln drying may gray the wood.
Mark
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Mark Hatcher
www.hatcherguitars.com
“"A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking".
Steven Wright
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