I have a carved piece (think onlay) and its acted like end grain for the staining. It can't be sanded much or I would lose details, so how can I stop it from acting like end grain so it will match better to the piece its on, which is face grain sanded smooth.

The wood is red oak so that isn't helping since it seems to have very open pores after the carving, so what I can use on it that it will match more closely the piece is laying on, doesn't have to be perfect match just want to get it closer.

Thanks