YES! 2K-Klarlack!
2-component clear coat!
I would definitely try to apply 2-component clearcoat as the first layer. If it looks imperfect in certain places, you can still spray a slightly tinted 2K glaze over this first layer, and also a second. Personally, it would be very important to preserve the wood character as much as possible. I don't think, absolutely not at all, that the 'flaws' of such a wooden workpiece as shown here a few posts ago should be carelessly attempted to cover up with colored lacquer. The opposite will happen, these flaws and irregularities are visually emphasized by the homogeneous layer of paint and are then extremely annoying and immediately noticeable. And then it almost has to be filled and sanded.
The big advantage of 2K clear lacquer, if you choose the right one, is: You can put several layers on top of each other, and if you do it with passion and love, you can create smooth transitions to the areas with frequent defects.
What is in the end: A VM made of wood! The grain will involuntarily pull the eye of the beholder under the spell, one is so distracted by the flaws that one actually looks over it, it is definitely less noticeable than when an opaque, homogeneous color is applied. If the color is light, the shadows are intensified; if the color is dark, the highlights. Every mistake then will be
very noticeable, even
much more than now.
Before anything is applied, the surface must be cleaned and sanded with extreme passion. And one more thing: if the wood looks scruffy, feel doesn't matter.
Best Regards
Christian
PS: My Opinion: You are about to create a work of art here. Please don't break it. You will never get the paintwork off again!
PPS: Serious wood defects can perhaps be improved with dry application & rubbing in of suitable pigments, still under the clear lacquer. And if necessary grind away again. And in some places an escape to the front is also conceivable. Certain edges could also be emphasized optically, with metal! Chrome / brass strips ... just an idea ... maybe a very bad one, I know. Maybe only I like it. I like material combinations. They still have one thing in common: They are real. So.