re: Small saleable boxes 3

Ryan  - I use Cabots (an Australian brand) satin oil based poly. I brush it on liberally and rub down between coats with 320 or 400 micro-mesh. I apply enough coats to completely fill the grain and give a flat surface. When that's done I go down to 1000 micro-mesh to get a super polished flat surface.  I usually then wipe the surface with acetone to remove any finger grease.  Then I apply the stickers. After that I repeat the above, but take care with the first rub-downs so I don't scratch the metal stickers - it's not important if it's sea or egg shell, as sanding them gets ride of any small protrusions. I apply enough coats to cover everything and get a flat surface again, with enough thickness to run down and polish up to 3000 grit.