I have never seen face veneer that thin.
I don't think you could spray it on any thinner.

Yep, sounds like the same stuff!

You really need to be extra careful when sanding.
I sanded right through that stuff

That's the part I'm worried about. It shouldn't take much sanding on the
large flat areas, it's near the edges where the trim meets the plywood that
I'm most concerned. That and anywhere I need to fill a nail hole or
something.

Luckily, the face of the pieces weren't all that interesting,
so with some finish on the top it didn't matter.

The majority of my entertainment center will usually have "stuff" on it,
the top is higher than most people will see, and most of the front is solid
wood. So, maybe there's hope...

I used to buy the "China ply" at HD and it was a decent product.

I've purchased birch ply at HD and Lowes for years and never had a problem.
I guess that's why I didn't give it much thought when I bought it. Now I
know better.

the pink glue they used to press the plies
together stunk like something was burning.

Interesting, I noticed that smell when I was making some cuts, but didn't
see any signs of burning on the wood.

Anthony