Haven't read all the responses.... if you're looking for protection.... just a tad of amber shellac should do it. It's lacquer friendly. And will minimize the rawness. Also, know that shellac and lacquer are good. If you put some amber shellac on that, then it will seal the wood and also minimize the blatant light color of the wood. And then, if later you decide to refin? or fix... or whatever..... it's fine for that. That's what I'd do..... drop fill amber shellac. Minimize. Then if you want more.... cool.