Finally getting back to some fun things after a few hectic days. I was referring to two different approaches.
- Use the acrylic paint and then carve thru it, then put a poly or some other sealer on it if you want. If you use a strong grain wood (like the oak in your original post) you should still be able to see the grain after painting.
- Titebond and water (one part Titebond to 10 parts water). Let it dry and then apply the stain - the glue/water mixture should limit the depth the stain soaks into the wood so that you wouldn’t have to carve too deep into the wood.
There are other options out there instead of glue size, but I haven’t tried them so I can’t speak to their effectiveness or cost.