By chance were you using WB Garnet shellac? If so it just doesn't pop like alcohol based shellac. Like the others I use Sealcoat and find it pops the grain beautifully. Topcoat with a gloss WB like GF or Target EM2000. Let it cure and buff to whatever sheen you want. If you want a repairable finish consider looking into Rubio Monocoat, single coat oil.