Ive been finishing my archery equipment with poly for a long time (brush on, spray, and wipe on). I apply 3-4 coats of gloss, then 2 coats of semi-gloss, then a couple coats of satin. If it still has a sheen some 0000 steel wool real light will remove it nicely. With this kind of layering you get the protection and hardness of gloss without the shine. Be careful you don't get the types mixed around or it'll eggshell badly. One way to smooth out brush on nicely is to brush it on, let it set for a few minutes, then lightly spray with the same type. This levels it out much better than just brushing.