Clear coat over airbrushed pedal

[John Matrix]

I am decorating my BYOC pedal with my airbrush. Came out pretty cool so far but I am wondering what the best way to finish this off is. I want a shiny clear coat that will protect the paint, what do you recommend?

[crochambeau]

I use Minwax clear polyurethane to set and protect my patina finishes, it's oil based so there may or may not be compatibility issues with whatever you've already applied. The level of protection is debatable, but it does eliminate smearing or general handling wear, so long as the coat has achieved adhesion (back to surface compatibility there).

There's also bartop self leveling epoxy if you want a thick protective layer, but it's a more involved process.

[DRodriguez]

I use spray paint for cars, and just use the matte finish.

Works nice enough in my opinion, but I'm not doing anything fancy.

[John Matrix]

The paint I'm using is acrylic.

[crochambeau]

The paint I'm using is acrylic.

I'd expect adhesion issues with an oil then. I know there are polymer based urethanes in the sealant industry (I'm unsure about finishes), and am pretty sure there are clear acrylics finishes available. When in doubt cover with the same material formula as the base/substrate - if possible.

Water based clear coats might be compatible as well, though I prefer solvent evaporation for a stronger bond (this might be antiquated thinking with the advances in "green" chemistry the past couple decades).

[culturejam]

and am pretty sure there are clear acrylics finishes available.

Indeed there are: http://amzn.to/2zqSFkt

Big-Box hardware and craft stores should also have spray acrylic clear.