Multiple coats of clear finish were applied. After a couple of coats, the following two steps were done.
12. Wall of hole on side of cabinet (for Focus and Convergence controls) painted with very dark brown paint to cover up the grain and plywood structure:
13. Decals (Thanks, Nick!!) were applied:
After more coats of clear finish, with sanding in between, the edges of the decal are almost invisible on the finished cabinet.
So there you have it... That's what's been keeping me busy for a few weeks (in addition to Christmas travel, job, and various radio and TV restoration projects for other folks on the side).
Now I can reassemble things and get back to work finishing up a few remaining electronics issues with the chassis.