Well I think you can make any of those options look good, so do what you want and just make it work.

If you do go with the wallpaper then I would recommend a thicker bartop epoxy. They are designed to embed things like this. You can pick up small kits locally for this.

If you just go with the woodgrain then I would use a super clear epoxy resin or the clear Repti-shield. One advantage of the Repti-Shield is that it can be ordered in small quantities. I would see if you can get a sample of it applied over oak to make sure you like the look. Not all clear finishes look the same.

Raka is an epoxy distributor in Florida I have heard good things about. They carry a variety of epoxies and hardeners and I believe they will sell them in small kits. If you want to go with the sealed woodgrain look on the inside I would call them and describe the project. I'm sure they'll have an epoxy for that and will be willing to break it down into smaller parts.

Lastly, I would use something with more protection on the outside than an oil. Reptile enclosures always have to deal with a bit of overspray, dripping, etc.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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