For my project I did it the "low tech" way. I sanded my butt off!
Start with 400 grit and move up progressively to 1200.
TIP: First coat needs to be VERY LIGHT. After 2-5 coats of color and a couple of lacquer, you need to let project "air-out" for 5 days. Then, final wet sand with 2000 grit.
Here's a pic of my project, took a week but love the improvements.
Here's a pic of it installed.
I have an instructible around on this somewhere.