[Steve Neul]

Given the amount of glue around the joints I think your best off with paint. I would put a couple of coats of zinsser sealcoat on the knots in case one of the knots bleed sap.

 

[Steve Neul]

Question Everyone: (and I hope that prinler doesn't mind the distraction):

How could one avoid having so much glue on the shelf joints as this project has?

When working on a project with small parts I use a smaller bottle with a finer tip on it so it doesn't dispense so much glue. Then if it happens if done when the glue is wet can be washed off with a wet rag. After getting the wood wet it requires a little extra sanding but it doesn't prevent the stain from taking.