decal clearcoating question

[bayoubilly]

Hello:

I came across this forum while searching for material concerning a "label" project I am doing. Though a little off topic, I would appreciate some advice on which product I should perhaps use.

I am restoring a pinball machine. The playfield has some wear to it, and I would like to cover it up with decals. The playfield is made of wood (some parts bare, some painted). I have high resolution scans of an undamaged playfield. I would like to apply a decal printed on either an inkjet or laser printer, and finally seal the label with an automotive clearcoat (thus protecting the image).

Here is a picture of the pinball playfield wear:

http://www.bayoubilly.net/fathom/f6.jpg

Note I must automotive clearcoat the entire playfield to protect other graphics where labels won't be applied. To make the surface of the playfield uniform, again I must then also clearcoat over the decals I create. So therefore another concern I would have is how the automotive clearcoat will react with the label graphics (will they make them run or smudge?). Also, which product will the automotive clear adhere to? Which product will not bubble up over time or react badly with the automotive clear?

Any advice on decal/clearcoat products, or decal service by you that might aid me would be appreciated.

Just FYI - here is some clearcoating reference material that I'm basing this project on:

http://www.marvin3m.com/clear/index.htm

Thank you,
Bill