This is one of those things again where you could get several bids for the job and end up with several different opinions on which way is best. Every painter has their own way. Spraying the boxes on site is very common, though I would consider just brushing them if they are oak. Because oak has such deep grain, it is very easy to achieve a sprayed like finish even with a brush....the grain makes the brush marks pretty hard to see. Of course, you cannot brush lacquer though. The lacqeur smell will linger for 2-3 weeks, depending on how much ventilation you have. Some guys have gadgets they set in windows to blow all the fumes outside. IMO it's not worth it. I don't think you are gaining durability and most lacquers will yellow over time. If somebody is saying lacquer will give them a factory finish but latex will not, then I would guess they haven't sprayed much latex. This makes sense because some guys are just lacquer guys and don't really think that any of the modern day waterbornes/acrylics are as good, so they never learned how to use them.

If you can feel bumps or humps, then those will likely show through the paint until you sand them off. There is really no need to use a poly for profects like this anyway. Just use high quality 100 percent acrylic paint in a washable finish (satin, semi-gloss, etc) and you should be done. The only time you may want to use a poly is when the paint is flat, but the better option is always going to be using a washable paint if you are looking for durability. Putting a poly on top of a paint does not make it more durable unless you are using really crappy paint.

Years ago I sprayed faded hunter green resin chairs and a loveseat with Fusion paint. The cost was hard to swallow as it required many, many cans. Did they come out okay, yes. But certainly weren't as new looking as I had hoped. What I have had great results with however is exterior house paint. I have many white resin chairs that are now 22 years old. I clean them well and paint with a brush or foam roller. The exterior house paint repels weather and stains and in the case of the white chairs the gloss white paint I use stays shiny for years. Recently a neighbor stacked up several very badly stained and weather beat resin chairs and a round resin table on the curb destined for the landfill. I hauled them home, rolled and brushed on some Zinser 1,2,3 primer and painted the collection with a smoky olive exterior semi-gloss paint left over from another project. The chairs and table look fabulous and will weather for years before another coat of paint will be necessary. This weekend I am painting several more resin pieces for a friend in Sunflower Yellow, again exterior paint. Try it! I think you'll be pleased. At least 2 coats maybe three may be necessary but it is a great way to extend the life of the chairs, use up leftover paint and save space at the landfill.

Thank you. I am not familiar with "cure", but do not want hair or dirt to be impaled in my steps as they cure. There is no way to keep my family off the steps for a month. Sammy