Glazes

I was recently in Bowness, Windermere Cumbria and an unknown artist had 2 works on show. These works were finished with a High Gloss (Glass-like) coating. I have only seen this type of 'Lacquer'??? on Modern French Furniture; But have never been able to find out what this coating is. I have been searching the internet for a couple of years and am now out of ideas. Has anyone viewing Creative Central got any 'Ideas' I would think that the substance is a quick drying Lacquer of some type. Any help would be MOST welcome. Geoff E Cartwright. ''Hotgof''