Make a test panel before applying nitrocellulose lacquer on wood projects to see how it adheres to the wood and colors it. Adding more coats will affect the final color of the finish.
Thin out the sanding sealer to no more than 20 percent. Apply the first coat of sealer onto the wood. Make sure that it is wet enough to adhere to the wood. This is very important because the lack of adhesion in the first coat can lead to the de-lamination of the lacquer. Sand the wood to remove rough sections on the coating using a number 00 steel wool.
Apply a second coat of the sealer to even out the base in preparation for the buildup coats. This step is especially important with soft woods. Sand the rough areas again. Glazing may be applied in this step to enhance the color texture.
Thin out the lacquer to not more than 20 percent of its original consistency. Apply a coat of the gloss lacquer. Continue adding gloss lacquer coats until you've achieved the finish you like. Sand the rough areas.
Apply the sheen that you would like your lacquer finish to achieve. Sheen types can be satin, gloss or semigloss.
Duplicate the steps on your actual wood project when the final finish of the test panel is what you wanted to achieve.