Thank you all very much!
The cardboard "tray" worked but was a very in-elegant method for keeping this stuff together! The new tray will be a major upgrade...
MrRick: I used this for the finish...

It only needed two coats this time...
After that is applied, I go over it with a scotch-brite green pad and then give it a once-over with normal, clear furniture polish... The polish gives it a great feel and smell (and helps to get rid of that awful poly smell!)

Mike, in Concord, NH - A candle loses none of its flame by lighting another candle...