[LedHed]

Ok... Correct my if you have a better way. I am far from an expert... First step, strip all the old finish off. Next, repair veneer of necessary. That is another thread all it's own! Next prepare your surface by sanding and blending your repairs. Next I fill the grain. I haven't found a perfect answer yet. I have purchased Crystal-Lac but have not used it yet. I also have used a couple brush coats of shellac to build up and seal the wood. I have also tried Behlen Pore-O-Pac which I didn't care for much at all, and have done it with multiple coats of lacquer which I DON'T recommend. It takes forever and involves lots of sanding and more coats of lacquer than I care to count! Next I have sprayed a couple coats of clear lacquer, then toner (colored lacquer) then more clear. I have used Deft brand lacquer, which I thin with about a 50/50 ratio of thinner to lacquer from the can, and Behlen Qualalac) the Behlen product wasn't worth the premium in my opinion. I had problems with blushing because it is so cool and damp here in the northwest. The Deft is designed as a brushing lacquer, so it has retarders added to it already.
After about six coats of clear gloss, I block sand with water with 400 and 600 grit. I then spray another six coats or so and block sand again. Providing I am happy with the finish this far, I buff it out with 0000 steel wool and them polish it with Howards citrus furniture wax.
This gives me a nice smooth finish that isn't too glossy. Just a couple word of caution... Be careful with sanding! It is easy to go too hard and burn through your lacquer coats. Ask me how I know.... If you get into the toner, push the reset button and start over.