Black finish for family dining table?

[rhancock]

We bought this table (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/230685074819?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1203), but the 'client' has specified she wants it refinished 'as black as you can get it, ideally like this one from Freedom (http://www.freedom.com.au/furniture/dining/dining-tables/23197435/spice-hall-dining-table-230x75cm-black/), black as black, but still able to see the grain. We've got 3 kids already and another coming, so it'll need to be tough enough to cope.

I'm happy that a black japan type product (http://www.feastwatson.com.au/WoodstainsBlackJapan.asp) will get the colour required, but how do I finish it to give a tough, gloss finish?

[Harry72]

Being a soft wood table it will never look good in a full high gloss black... think of a black car!
To get the grain showing through a burnished sheen will still show the grain, especially using pine.
Stain it black with water based(soaks in deeper), rub it back smooth to a "brushed finish" with a fibre sanding pad. Over coat it with a clear poly with a tad of oil based black stain to tint it darker, keep coating until its dark enough then hit it with the fibre sanding pad again then buff in some wax.