I'm ready to stain my first project. I understand that it is good to
clean it with a solvent such as mineral spirits to remove dirt and oils.
(please correct me if I'm wrong or if there is a better solvent to use).

I want to do this right and I've studied all the finishes and yet I
still am not sure of the best one to use. The project is a tray for
SWMBO. She intends to use it to throw keys, change, etc. in it. I would
like a satin finish but it really doesn't matter.

I have a polyurethane clear finish spray that I was going to apply over
the stain. Is this a decent type of finish or is there a better one to use?

FWIW, I went to a staining class but I learned too much. I understand
the application process pretty well but deciding on the best stain I
still find confusing.

Richard A.