re: A Box With Borders

I don't have a CNC but work with a friend when I want something similar. A ' technique I use is to finish the box FIRST using multiple coats of satin poly sanded to 4000,  to get a completely sealed and flat surface. Then we do the engraving. That gives it a crisp edge. Then I usually fill the engraving with black filler or multiple coats of gold paint. I can then sand the excess off and  get back to the flat poly surface without the dust contaminating the grain, or scratches left in the poly by only sanding to 600.  A few more coats of satin poly sanded down again to 4000,  followed by a final application of wax polish.