Wipe On Poly over Paint and natural, general newbee questions

[Watchie]

I have a LP Saga kit due to arrive shortly.  As it has the so-called maple flame top my current plan is to paint the back in black, but leave the front "natural."  The separation should be fairly easy as there is binding in place. I also want to do this WITHOUT any spraying, other than if I have to the paint.  Thus, here are my questions:

1.  Can I achieve the black color for the back using a dye or is paint the way to go?

2.  Am I correct that I should do the grain fill before applying any color?

3.  How can I or should I enhance the maple top (i.e., should it be dyed and sanded back), noting that it is a very thin veneer?

4.  After completing the grain fill and coloring (paint or dye), so I still need a sanding/sealer coat if my intent is to finish the guitar with wipe on poly?

5.  Can I apply wipe on poly over paint?  My reason for asking is that I like the idea of building up a hand applied finish, particularly to a gloss.  While I know I can do this with the top, If I can also do the hand applied poly over the paint it will make for a bit easier project.  To this same point, I would be applying the poly over the plastic binding, which I assume (??) would be okay?

Any other tips before I plow into this? My plan is to do the neck natural with a tru oil or tung oil satin on the net and head stock.

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[dmraco]

wipe on poly over paint would not be cool.  What is the back wood?  Mahogany? 

You can get a water based black stain that does a nice job. 

I wipe on poly will help the top grain pop a bit.  Some Amber dye or stain may help. 

Pics would help decide a method.