The TF comes in clear or gloss finish. I admit I use it because it's pretty much idiot proof. Won't run or puddle unless you get too much too close. Made to resist glow fuel but helps keep belly paint on my gassers when running a new or tuned too rich engine.
I use WD40 and a paper towel to get the oil streaks/spots off and it seems to work well there. I think the auto clear coat is probably the best if you aren't using a metallic colored enamel. Otherwise I find it to break down silver or bright colors. Worse with glow fuel exhaust of course.
You'll get a lot of suggestions here on this subject I'm sure. It all comes down to what works best for you. Your area of the country and base colors. I go for a flatter look on my camo than most I guess. Then again when I want that metallic shine I use a semi-gloss paint to start with then the flat clear.

I'm no TopGun scale artist that's for darn sure. But I do read a lot of their websites and such. Besides the old #6 lead pencil trick for weathering I have been using a fine point silver Sharpie and a match stick or toothpick. Makes those panel line/rivet flakes look real good. On my Zero's cowling I took my airbrush and shot a few places with cheap aluminum colored spraypaint and then went over it with black. You can then go back after it's cured and either scratch out the paint flakes carefully with a razor or use a credit card with some deluted laquer thinner on the edge. Then clear coat over it when your happy with the work. I've also heard some spot the area they want to flake with acetone then the flat screwdriver or razor shaves the top coat off cleaner.

The tail pic is before I opted for the pale green color. That is using the thin point silver Sharpie only. I didn't like the job I did but it gives you the idea of what I'm talking about. The cowl was done using the silver under black technique. As you can see I don't go out of my way like you have to get super scale looks. Nobody at my field really does the warbirds besides me anyway. Mainly acro/3D/pattern. But they do give me credit for at least adding retracts, guns and a pilot. They also think I'm insane for going through all the hassles that come with warbird flying.[sm=bananahead.gif] But again they respect me for sticking to my guns and always come over and look a new bird over as I'm bending retracts back in shape or airing up my tanks. Plus they spot for me when I drop a bomb from my Zeke.
I want to get the 50cc size like your's next Zero I buy. If it flys like this 120 it's a keeper.

Keep the post coming FTDevil !!