How are you guys finishing your Baltic Birch projects?

Some people use a stain with clearcoat and many use various finishes of black. Some even use bedliner textured black. I'm starting a plywood pair of boxes next week and it will probably go black with a clear finish but I'm not going for piano glossy black lacquer. I have considered using a fomica type laminate because it is so durable and relatively easy to apply. My room thus far is all utilitarian and I want the speakers to disappear so black is my choice.

I recommend practicing on scrap pieces first.

Lots and lots of uber-fine sanding.
I use a pneumatic sander, polisher, air gun.
Marine quality woodboat supplies is ideal.

Might want to try applying stain per conditioner before staining your samples. Helps to evenly distribute the stain so it doesn't get blotchy.

Shellac rubbed down to a satin finish with synthetic steel wool. With miter joints so the plies don't show and hardwood lumber edges for accents.

_Definitely_ experiment with scrap first.