Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Best way to paint teak chairs?

I have 6 teak dining chairs that were painted all different colors when I bought them. I have since stipped them as much as I can (some paint in the wood grooves won't come out) and would now like to paint them in a lacquer or something similar. I like lacquer because of it's resin-like finish. What paint should I use and what is the most effective way to paint something with grooves like this so that I get a smooth finish? The chairs are mid century originals and I'm a little afraid of ruining them.

I'm a bit confused as to whether you are intending to "paint" the chairs using an opacing color or if you are intending to put on a transparent finish (i.e. clear lacquer or urethane.)

In order to have a sooth surface using either finish, it's necessary to fill the grain of the wood. This can be done to a certain degree, by applying multiple coats of finish and sanding well between coats. However, to obtain a truly smooth finish a grain filler must be used first. If you are a novice, this process can be more than what you'd like to tackle. At either rate, be prepared to refinish the chairs again in a few years... Natural Teak is oily wood and lacquer or urethane will not have a very good bond.