Thanks, all for the kind comments. The piece looks super glossy now but that will tone down a lot as the Waterlox cures.
Years ago, Bas turned me on to Waterlox Original. Before that, I had been a french polish person (and still love that look). I don't know that Waterlox is as dummy proof as shellac applied with a french polish method, but it's WAY more durable.
Truth is, however, I was struggling with getting a "fine" finish with Waterlox. Then I discovered the "dry brush method." It has made all the difference. I adapted this method from a guy named
[FONT=&]Matt Douthit and his business,[/FONT] "Antique Trunks & Chests."
http://www.antiquetrunksandchests.com/how-to-apply-waterlox-original-2014/
Here's how I went at it. (The process is done twice. Once for the interior pieces prior to assembly. Once again for the exterior after assembly.):
1) Sand all finish surfaces to 220 grit.
2) Apply a THIN coat of clear Aqua Coat grain filler with an old credit card or PLASTIC putty knife. (Don't use a metal putty knife. DAMHIK.)
3) Apply a second THIN coat of Aqua Coat. (Be sure your applicator is clean and doesn't have any gunk from the first coat stuck to it.)
4) Sand lightly the Aqua Coat lightly with 320 grit.
4.1) Apply a third THIN coat of Aqua Coat to the top so that it's extra smooth and then sand the top lightly with 320 grit.
5) Vacuum all prepped surfaces thoroughly.
6) Wash your hands thoroughly and use the palm of your hand to grab any extra dust that might have been missed. (You can feel it with your hand.)
7) Apply a moderate coat of Waterlox with a 2" foam brush going with grain, overlapping long steady strokes. Don't brush fast and don't push hard, which seems to generate more bubbles.
8) Let dry for 12-24 hours.
9) Repeat Step 7. (Second coat.)
10) Let dry for full 24 hours.
11) Sand very lightly with 220 to remove any bumps or bubbles. (Just enough to create some white dust.)
12) Repeat Steps 5 & 6. (Your clean hand (and some light) will detect anything left to be knocked down with 220 grit.)
13) Repeat Step 7. (Third coat.)
14) Let dry for full 24 hours.
15) Sand with 320 grit & vacuum.
16) Sand with 400 grit & vacuum.
17) For the 4th coat, you are going to do it similarly to the prior three coats but go a little heavier with this coat. (Matt calls this a "liberal" coat but it's all relative, I suppose.) No dry spots!
18) Set timer for 20 minutes.
19) Grab a clean, dry 4" foam brush and lightly brush through the wet Waterlox in long strokes.
20) Set timer for 15 minutes.
21) Repeat Step 19.
22) Set timer for 10 minutes.
23) Repeat Step 19.
24) Set timer for 5 minutes.
25) Repeat Step 19.
Walk away. You're done.
Note: For the top, I went with five coats (ie 4 preliminary coats, rather than 3).