Well, the experiment was a bust, but I was using mostly Tandy products. I have a growing collection of Fiebings products, but they don't sell the Fiebings antique at Tandy, so I think I will have to start ordering online.
I used their "block out" as the lacquer, which has never ever worked well, or consistently for me, so I'll have to get my hands on what you suggested, wyosheen or clear-lac.