If you don't like the look of poly, why use it? I don't like the look of poly on my scroll saw projects. For a final finish I always use spray can Laqcuer. In fact I use semi gloss as I don't like high gloss. Laqcuer dries real fast, so I can apply two coats within a half an hour. After the Laqcuer dries, I use a folded piece of brown paper bag to smooth out the finish and remove any dust nibs.
The result is as smooth satiny finish!