I am using black and dark brown water-based dyes on quartersawn white oak to create a wenge-like look. While reading through another site's forum, I found the suggestion to next apply a layer of Seal-A-Coat, and then using Bartley's Gel Stain to fill the pores. However, I have never used either product, and am not sure whether I need to go out and buy them or if I can make do with other products (but not to the detriment of wood I'm working on!)

Is there any reason I should use Seal-A-Coat instead of a coat of shellac?

Also, has anyone used gel stains as a pore filler before? Is it better than a wood paste filler? If so, any secrets to it, or just wipe on, wipe off, done?