Thanks for the interest. It’s all super easy, but let me explain in exacting detail. The super short version is I think the “magic” is the Varathane Cabernet stain.
Step #1 - Wood
There is nothing special here. It’s just pine. However, interestingly, I asked someone else the same question here and I got that answer. I post a picture below, but I think I just went into Lowes or Home Depot and bought the first laminated pine shelf I could find.
Step #2 - Stain
I don’t prep the wood at all. I just apply Varathane Cabernet (Cabernet is the color). I have tried many many stains and this color seems to be a bit magic. I put it on any pine and I think it just looks good. Most people say the same. The stain takes at least 24 hours to fully dry but 48 hours is better.
Here is another random example of the same color on what is basically a fence board.
Step #3 - Poly
I then apply one or two coats of polyurethane. Strangely, even though the stain is oil based, the poly I use is water based. Seems to work fine.
One that dries, like 24 hours, I might lightly run a 400 block of sand paper over the stained and poly’ed blank to get it baby smooth.
I am not sure, but not only is my blank “finished” but I think the poly serves to harden the surface so there is less (no) chipping during milling.
Step #4 - CNC Milling
Now I just engrave but using what is a decent bit. I used a 60 degree from Lee Valley (https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/power-tool-accessories/router-bits/46209-groove-bit-60-angle).
The natural pine is then revealed. I find that natural pine looks good against Cabernet.
Does that help?