Anyone refinished a plinth?

I have a Thorens TD 160 on the way. It has what I assume is a plinth made of particle board (?) with a thin wood veneer on top. I'd like to get a black finish with some of the wood grain showing. What are the steps? I assume starting off with a very careful sanding of the veneer to get the gloss off, and then begin the staining process?

Let me know if this is something not for the novice.

Thanks.