The sub is the only mahogany that I applied lacquer to and polished to a relative shine. The towers are still in hand-rubbed, no lacquer finish. (The black has about 8 layers of lacquer but is due for one last 4000 grit rub and buff to increase the reflection from about 5 feet to...I don't know what.) Honestly, I like the soft natural finish of the unpolished veneers better at this point. I like the contrast of piano black gloss to flat mahogany. If you want a comparison to help in your decision I can send you close ups of each for comparison (if it helps?).

edit: I don't know if you were asking this, but I stained the raw veneer with water based stain before lacquer, but after sealing.

Last edited by Zimm; 03/02/09 02:31 AM.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire