Sorry friend ,all I have are finished pictures of the build.
What I did do ,was paint it gloss black, then apply my decals (water slide) then re-coated with a satin finish (semi-gloss)
I think I used Krylon clear coats for both the gloss and semi-gloss.
Also I used silk screen decals (as opposed to ALPS) not sure if the reaction to gloss coats is different .
Another trick to applying decals ,is to use Future as your "setting "solution and after cured, you can spray anything over them.
Brush down some Future where the decal is to be placed ,lay down your decal ,set it set a bit (30 seconds) and give it another brush of Future and let it be and move on to the next decal.
After you are done ,let the whole thing cure for at least 24 hours and coat with what ever you have.
Just make sure your paints are compatible (enamel & enamel ,lacquer & lacquer or enamel cut 50/50 with lacquer thinner and top coat with what ever) Enamel clears over lacquer is good ,lacquer over enamel not so good, but can be done (done it ,gots to be careful ,not recommended)
I`ve done a lot of things that should have not been done ,and they work .just have to know the fine line.
Sorry ,that was more than you wanted to know, or cared about...
Oh well ,It`s free info :wink:
Take care
Paul T