Finishing ash and highlighting the grain question.

[dave_87]

Hi all, I am nearing the end of a project made up of ash and walnut. What I am planning is to sand it smooth, wet the ash to raise the grain, then paint/dye it black then sand it again to give a two tone/dark grain effect.
Q1, would I be best to use paint or dye for this?
Q2, what finish is recommended after this to protect it and really make it stand out?
or Q3, am I forgetting some critical step??

Thanks in advance.