paint ply wood, what is poly paint?

[squirrellydw]

OK, I was going to laminate my jukebox, still might but I am also thinking of painting it.  What is POLY paint and where do you get it, what does it look like when it's on and how well does it hold up?

Also what would be the best paint to use to paint plywood and to hide the grain and have it hold up well?  I would almost like it to look like plastic and very smooth.

Thanks

[mountain]

Polyurethane based paint.

Polyurethane based paint is very durable paint. when I used to work on aircraft this is what they used for the exterior because of its durability.

I would use an automotive type sanding primer on it. It will take several layers to hide the grain though. If done right it will look fantastic and last forever.

[squirrellydw]

and I can buy the at HD or Lowes, any brand or other tips?

[EwJ]

Some companies sell a polyurethane 'paint system' with a specially formulated primer and paint that are specifically designed to work together for ease of application, maximum adhesion, proper cure times, flowing, etc and maximum durability.  Some big bucks are put into the research and development. ex. aerospace industry.   
Any paint job is only as good as the surface beneath - it's all  in the prep, but like mountain said, if done right it will look great and last very long.
The solvents, accelerators, catalysts used in some polyurethane paints are  brutal (isocyanates, etc).  Take all safety precautions.
As a side note, the laminate would be much easier (but you wouldn't get that liquidy shiny look).
Good luck.  Post pics.