Spray (rattle can) or brush....and schedule (terminology)

[MarkAndrew1]

If you build up enough, you can just wait until your done applying the finish, then level it.
If you want to try and keep the finish as thin as possible, but level at the end, then you have to start with a really pristine, filled, level surface, and it helps to level once along the way, about half way through your application process as this will give you an idea how much more finish to apply....this is with spraying, and with my exerience and feeble attempts to accomplish this, which has not come out as I have planned yet, but I keep trying.

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin...

Does the amount finish depend on how glossy you want it too look? Is that how you gauge
how much is enough?

[ken cierp]

If you are brushing lacquer for sure you need to follow Tony's advice and level at intervals. Matter of fact I was taught (Williams in MI) to level at intervals when working on autombiles.

As for gloss -- that is a function of the chemical not the thickness -- your goal is to get enough coating on the work to allow you to sand it "perfectly smooth/flat" without going through the top coats exposing sealer or worse bare wood. Then that is further polished.

[TonyinNYC]

One good thing about leveling is that you can use an aggressive paper, like 320, and your next coats will fill in the scratches and you finish will also be closer to level. I just spend more time sanding at the end and don't level between any coats.