Shield finishing

[Sextus Maximus]

I have a shield I am trying to finish up. Its a birch shield with a linen facing and has acrylic gesso, and acrylic paint on the surface. What is the best varnish or clear coat to protect the paint and gesso to put on it???

[InsaneIrish]

I'd just use enamel clearcoat from a rattle can.

[Albrechtthesilent]

Minwax makes an acrylic/water-based poly clear coat. You want at least three coats.
There may be similar products from other brands available as well.
For my paint, I used ACE brand High-gloss latex house paint over an acrylic gesso. Mine turned out great (considering I was the one behind the brush). The clear coat didn't make the paint bleed or leach. I was worried it would. Especially because I ran out of time to let it thoroughly dry before clear coating (bit off too much before a demo). The paint still felt tacky to the touch. No problems so far though.

Albrecht

http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/interior-clear-protective-finishes/minwax-polycrylic-protective-finish

[Sextus Maximus]

Thanks for the advice. See I used an aersol clear cote and I didnt take into consideratrion that the shield I was spraying on is much more curved than anyone I have ever done. I also sprayed it on a humid day. The clear cote ran and then pooled in different areas in which it didnt dry underneath and it hardened on top. After putting three cotes, I thought I was done until I noticed bubbling and I could literally push the clear cote with my finger. So I had to start all over and remove the entire facing and redo the paint as well. This look like what I al needing in order to finish the shield.

[InsaneIrish]

Many thin coats waiting 30min or so between coats. Use the whole can. That is what I do.

[Vitus von Atzinger]

If you clear coat it you can't touch up the paint job.

[Malek]

Many thin coats waiting 30min or so between coats. Use the whole can. That is what I do.

This - definitely this. One or two passes with the rattle can, then leave it for a minimum of 1/2 hour to an hour. Then repeat until the can is gone.
Use a second can if needed (like for a really big shield)

Brushing lacquer will work, too but the same principle applies - many thin coats, only with the lacquer - wait about 1-2 hours between coats.