With the completion of the mantle shelf, the family room is now complete.  I’m quite happy with how the mantle turned out, this picture (shot at night with no flash) doesn’t do it justice.  The cherry wood was stained with two coats of  American Walnut Minwax stain, to match the rest of the trim in the room.  Three coats of Wipe-On Poly were then put on to protect it and give it a bit of a sheen.   I really like the Wipe-On, as it is incredibly easy to use and leaves a great finish.  However it is quite expensive, and I’ve read it is just regular oil based poly that has been thinned down.