Staining/sealing/protecting lauhala matting on walls

New on this forum. Building an indoor “Tiki” man cave in a 12 x 16 shed. Doing top half of 2 of my walls with lauhala matting. Any successful suggestions to stain/seal/protect the lauhala matting?

I've had good luck by spraying a low gloss automotive clear on it. It will be waterproof and will be much easier to keep clean. Be sure to spray them outside and wear a respirator.