B A R R Y wrote:
Sean wrote:

That was my fear.

I would prefer to keep a nice finish on the pine (ie: stain and varnish)

So?

Paint the panel, clear coat the pine.
Depending on the appearance of the unit and what its intended resting
location will be, contrasting paint is a great choice.

A strong color is wonderful next to stained or clear wood. A fire-engine
red with pine goes great, as do any of the primary colors.

Dekker
www.WoodworkDetails.com