My reasoning for garnet shellac is to act as a sealer to prevent botching and to help add a darker color to the cherry. I have never used garnet shellac so that is why I am asking for advice.

I appreciate all the advice and feed back I have received and will look into them further. My normal approach to finishing cherry has been to use BLO and antique finish. It darkens nicely and has a warm feel to it however this dresser needs to be a little darker and I have never stained (or darkened) cherry and I have a lot of time invested in the dresser and don't want to mes it up!!