[PsychMan]

Thanks to all for the comments.

Particularly David, whose posts I always enjoy reading! That tetrosyl lacquer looks very good, and sounds like it might give me the results I want with much less effort. I will continue with the poly for this small box, if only to get some experience. But I have another box to do next so perhaps will get a can of that to try

The only other issue I have I suppose is the veneer is not grain filled. I was hoping to fill it by building up more varnish coats. I’d read about sanding with danish oil to great an oil slurry to fill the grain, but it’s thin veneer so that’s a bit risky. I also managed to stain the main piece I’m working on which also limits options. I did experiment with a grain filling paste but found the dye contained in it was too dark for my liking and the paste cured way too quickly