@wedge @derek The order I would try (I’ve not done metal inlay, but I’ve done multi-wood inlay, with contrasting colors including ring-porous wood) would be: oil if desired, grain-fill, cut grooves, glue inlay using fish glue (which cleans up with hot water, and which allows most finishes to stick), sand lightly, shellac (as a sealer, and also because it sticks to anything, probably my stock 1.5# cut), then finish as desired. (1/2)