Charles:
I routinely use rattle-can lacquer to finish non-utilitarian ['artistic'] bowls and vessels. My procedure is:
1. sand wood to at least 320 or 400
2. seal with a 1-pound cut of ultra-blonde shellac. Let dry thoroughly.
3. sand entire piece again from 180 up to about 400 or 600.
4. use multiple LIGHT coats of sprayed lacquer (I have tried over 10 different brands, and my favorite rattle can brand is Deft).
5. evaluate surface; if acceptable stop at 3-5 light coats.
6. If orange peel, any runs, or surface irregularities exist, when the finish is thoroughly dry, flatten with 3M 260L finishing film abrasive discs (600 grit).
7. Either re-coat, or buff with Beall type abrasives/wax, or use the Don Pencil "PL" compound. Wax optional.
When using lacquer, I prefer a gloss sheen; pieces finished 'gloss' seem to sell better than pieces with matte or flat finishes. The gloss surface and clear film coat tends to heighten and accentuate the fine details of grain, color, and texture of the wood. It's probably my favorite finish for showing-off exceptional pieces of wood. Thick polyurethane or acrylic finishes tend to look like they have been dipped in plastic - I don't like that look, since I prefer to show off the wood as much as the form I have created.
And as Mark says - PRACTICE, and then practice again.
Rob