Thomas, many years ago I learned auto paint and body work from an old master who used to paint cars with a brush. The final coat of lacquer can be wet sanded out through 600 grit, then buffed with compound to a mirror like finish. For this kind of finish, the final results are the same as a spray gun. It's just a lot more work. However, a retarder can be added to lacquer to slow the drying process and allow it to flow out better.