Dave,

I'm still very much in the learning stage when it comes to painting. But I've own two jets that were painted with Model master paints by the previous builder. I've learned to do my own touch up work using Model Master paints, but like I said from my earlier post it not fuel proof. On one of my jets the previous owner had a gear up landing and burned through the clear exposing the paint.(I don't believe it was an auto clear because there is a slight tint of yellow to it). When it was shipped to me the hopper tank leaked fuel on the exposed paint, destroying the paint job. I've had to re-paint the bottom from that situation. On my other jet, I keep it looking in showroom condition by touching it up when needed with the modelmaster paint. I've talked to the original painter/builder who stated he used auto clear on this one. I can tell that it's harder and holds up much better in protecting the paint. I've been using the same clear he used when touching up the jet.
I did some research a while ago trying to find a less toxic paint then auto paints, and some people were saying Nelson paints and clears are less toxic and hold up well to fuel when cleared. I've decided to stick with the Modelmaster paints because it's less toxic then auto paint but will still carefully use auto clears for my next project. At least half the job won't kill me..
Here is the link about Nelson paints and clears.
http://nelsonhobby.com/paint.html
Hope this helps,

Steven T.