re: Japanese stacking storage box with cover - Ju Kobako

Hi Ryan.  I probably use 6 or 7 coats until the grain is totally filled. I use satin poly applied with a brush. I rub down between coats with 320 and 400 micromesh. Then when I think its all filled I'll start moving up the grades 600, 800 etc I check in a racking light to make sure it is all filled and flat.  Then a few move coats still rubbing down between coats usually with 400 and 600.  When I happy I'll then work through the grits up to 3000 or 4000.  Sometimes I've used wet and dry paper as the Japanese do, but I don't realy like having water around as it can get into the wood that isn't completly sealed.......... It's time consuming, due to as the finish builds you need to leave it longer, half a day, to a day, to dry and harden before sanding