Process:
After I was happy with the construction of the unit, the wood was then deconstructed for its first polyurethane coating. Polyurethane gives a fantastic finish. We recommend you watch some videos on application to achieve your best result if you would like to try this for yourself. I used Dulux trade polyurethane. We have a link here. I was very pleased with how this product went on to the wood and the overall finish. After the first coat is applied and left for 24 hours to dry fully, the ply was then sanded to 240 grit to smooth the finish. During the polyurethane application process the grain of the wood is lifted and I find that a 240 grit does a good job of smoothing the overall pieces at this stage
The unit is then ready for its second coat. I use the same process, apply the polyurethane, leave it to dry for 24 hours and then sand it. On the second sanding I use 400 grit as the ply is already fairly smooth and this grit allows me to take off the bare minimum of raised grain. Last but not least, the ply then has a third coat, 24 hours to dry and sanded with 600 grit. This produces a super smooth, glass like finish. It does take time, however I feel the finish justifies the time spent.