Roll Top Desk

Thanks for the reply to my earlier question regarding making a desktop out of oak veneer plywood. I will be buying a 4' x 8' x 1" plywood from Home Depot (would Lowes be a better choice) and get them to cut it into a 5' x 2.5 feet piece. I would then buy the oak trim and glue/nail it to the edges.

Question 1: How do I prepare the surface so that it will be smooth (220 grit sandpaper? I do not have any power tools so elbow grease is all I can supply:-)or would the plywood be smooth enough.

Question 2: Problem is that the original Shellac on the roll top is a dark red color. So how do I get my plywood to that dark reddish hue. Bullseye Amber Shellac give a golden brown color not reddish. Many many costs of Shellac perhaps?

Question 3: What would be a good top coat to apply on top of the shellac for the desk top. After all it will have to withstand the daily coffee/water stains, etc etc.