2 coats of stain (red oak was the winner - lol) with light sanding (220 grit) in between coats and 4 coats of poly with light sanding (fine steel wool) in between coats (time-consuming) ...
The light board is a 1/2" piece of birch plywood sanded through 220 grit ...
We have 4 different types of wood - pine, birch, poplar, and alder. They will all stain a little different; in the end the alder is all that will really be visible!
I know - with PhotoShop I have practically been able to build an entire stand and canopy just from my imagination :lipssealedsmilie::lipssealedsmilie:
Actually, I have a couple of really good helpers (ages 7 and 8) who love to sweep up the dust and help out the old man (LOL)!! I told them I wouldn't charge them for looking at the tank upon completion (LOL)!!
Thanks Bob - I did a test stain on a prototype door (alder) and it comes out very dark after a couple of coats. I am going to try the back side of it with a pre-stain first and see if it makes any difference (makes it lighter). We may have to revisit the final stain choice.