I am fairly new to woodworking and just took on a big project. I recently purchased a used 100 gal. aquarium with a pine and oak stand and canopy. The stand and canopy are painted black (but very poorly). I am trying to achieve that "wet black laquer look" like you find on piano's and high-end speakers. I would appreciate any step by step advice on what I actually need to do. I started to sand down the old paint to bare wood but learned that it is easier to first strip the paint using a stripper or paint remover.
If someone could tell me if I need to sand the wood totally smooth and then what paint/primer/lacquer to apply that would be vry helpful. The guys at the ********** did not seem to know too much about this as they tried to sell me "Spray Paint"
Thanks for the help guys.....Dennis

The term "piano finish" has traditionally been used to describe the highest standards in wood finishing.
A novice simply cannot achieve such high quality. Few experienced woodworkers can do it either!
Set your goal lower & someone will advise

Well I am a perfectionist and the only way to learn is to actually do it. Even if I don't achieve the same finish as an expert might, I would still like to give it a try. I just need to know what the process is and what products to use. If anyone can help me with that I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You....Dennis

http://pages.prodigy.net/tlbuck/lac.htm

Thanks for the informative link. We'll see how it turns out.