Finishing Ply

G'day,

I'm planning to build about 100 boxes, dimensions 400x400x400, for use in a shop display. The surface needs to be hard-wearing. Ideally I would like a dark woodgrain finish but have heard this is difficult to achieve with ply. So I'm tossing up between clear gloss for a natural woodgrain on a high grade of ply, or brown paint on a lower grade like BC.

Pros and cons of each? What's the best way to go about it? Since it's a fairly big job would it be more practical to have it done by a professional?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Matt:U:U:U:U:U