What was the cost Stu?
I have done them before, about 2 years ago, and had the same problem. Amazes me what people do with the chips. no respect. Want to change them as I have had a few pinched even snapped in the last 2 years.
The Lacquer seems like a good idea. I had thought of doing that. Had though of Clear varnish but that goes yellow over a short time and if it gets chipped it will crack and peel.
I used to work in the motor trade and what would be good is the 2 pack lacquer that they use to paint cars. You mix the Lacquer with a hardener, goes rock hard.