Anybody have experience with colored, not clear, lacquer finishes?

I have a harp that I painted with blue automotive acrylic lacquer. It came out fabulous and that was about 6 years ago. It still looks good. During the process, I first primed the wood with a spray on Kilz and then applied the lacquer. No good. The lacquer crazed and I removed everything down to the bare wood and just lacquered over the bare wood. That's how I finally got it all to work. I even used one of the little glass bottles from the auto paint store to use to spray it on.

Okay, so now, what is the CORRECT way to paint wood a colored lacquer? I'd like to do some kitchen cabinet doors. (Blue, again. :) )