getting smooth lacquer, painted finish on bare wood

I just built a couple of simple bookcases out of pine and want to paint them so that they have a nice glossy (lacquer?) finish. I don't want the wood grain or texture to show through at all -- I'd like the finish to be similar to the ultra smooth finish you get from pottery barn or other store furniture.

any idea on the style/type of paint I should use and the appropriate technique?

I've tried glossy spray paint, but that doesn't seem to do the trick.

thanks.

 

It takes multiple coats, sanding [and removing the dust] between coats.

If you use paint [as opposed to poly] you should start with an enamel undercoater, when it's dry, sand and apply your first coat of enamel. Generally 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of finish is sufficient. While spraying gives the best finish, it's difficult to get a decent looking finish from an aerosol can, especially over wood. If you don't have spray equipment and must have a sprayed finish, I'd suggest brushing [or using small roller] on the primer and 2 coats of enamel. Then use spray cans on the final coat - be sure to apply it wet but use care to prevent any runs.

 

Yeah, this might take a lot of coats and a lot of sanding

Lacquer works best (IMO) when sprayed on, I'd use polyurethane myself. Water based poly is clear but oil based poly has a little orange color to it - personally, I really like the look of unstained pine with a few coats of oil based poly on it.

When you say you don't want the grain to show through, you mean you don't want to feel it, right? Only paint would keep you from seeing it.