I would give them to a local re-finisher and ask to have them sprayed with lacquer. Spraying is the key, no brush marks. You can also go to an auto body garage and ask if they will spray them for you. Hope that helps. Charmean Neithart

Thanks for the advice!

A cabinet maker should be set up to be able to do this for you as well.

I got one quote from a re-finisher which amounted to $300 for the pair, but I don't want to spend that much on this project. I'm just trying to find an economical solution to salvage 2 old ottomans that I would otherwise toss!

Easy and expensive way - take it to a professional cabinet worker. If you want to do it yourself it depends on what step you are at in the fefinishing process. If your wood is at the color you want, make sure it is sanded down smooth. Something I always do after sanding is to rub it with a damp cloth and let it dry. That allows the wood to "whisker". Then sand it again with 400 grit paper. It should be silky smooth. Then you can spray paint a light coat of gloss clear acrylic spray paint. (Polyurethane tends to yellow after a few years which is why I use clear acrylic). Let it dry and give it a light sanding with 400 grit. So with with several coats letting it dry throughly each time. On last coat buff it with a soft cloth and polish to a clear glassy finish. Hope this helps and that it is not too late!

I use Amy Howard spray lacquer... amazing stuff... she has directions on her site and tons of colors http://www.amyhowardhome.com/furniture-lacquer/

It requires the sweat equity of effort.