I used the minwax clear gloss polyurethane in the quart size can, which has to be brushed on. I covered the entire box inside and out. Bare wood and moisture will find each other eventually from which nothing good can come.

I built my box with some material I had left over from another project, so all I have in it is a little time. I had it built, stained and the first coat of urethane on it within two hours of starting. Once I decided on a design and had all the measurements worked out, the construction of it went fast. I decided to go with a design that was simple and functional rather than spectacular.

Keep it simple.