Spraying water-based paints can have this effect, especially when spraying large flat areas. I tried it for kitchen cabinet doors some time ago and so have a low-pressure spray gun for sale if anyone wants one!!
It was explained to me that when the paint (necessarily thinned down for spraying) leaves the nozzle it's already starting to dry on its way to the surface to be covered, which is why sprayed paint dries quicker than brushed.
It apparently doesn't happen with solvent-based paints, or at least not enough to be as noticeable. Whatever he meant by that.
I use a roller now and wire-wool down between coats. Well, I still would be if I was still daft enough to get involved with making kitchens for people who can't make their bloody minds up and want a bespoke kitchen for the price of a B&Q one.
By the way, the crackled paint effect you hit on accidentally can be achieved using crackle varnish. It's called 'craquelure'. Thought I'd mention it so that if the alternative procedure doesn't work you can tell people it was the effect you were aiming for and actually give them its name. I'm sure they'll be impressed.