Thomas: I want to go on record as NOT recommending you apply lacquer by brushing for several reasons.
1. Lacquer should be preceded with several applications of lacquer based vinyl sanding sealer which would also have to be brush applied.
2. A "wet" spray application of lacquer should be about 2 mils thick (.002) and very uniform. This would be next to impossible by brushing.
3. Lacquers are actually not applied in "coats" because each application actually dissolves the previous application so that it fuses into one total "coat". Brushing would also dissolve the previous coat and would cause application problems.

You can purchase an import quality spray gun for less than 30 bucks which will serve admirably providing you don't plan to make a living with it. You will need a source of compressed air and some practice. Tom.