i just painted a frame and decals went under the clear coat...it looks awesome! be sure about 2 things, 1 that your clear coat is compatible with your base paint, 2 buy a clear coat that stays clear, many rattle-can clears become yellow....
another important thing, if possible try to apply clear coat no more than 3 hours after base paint, that way you make sure the base and clear bond better... if you alredy painted, it would be good to lightly sand and paint 1 more layer, wait 1 hour, put decals, and then clear coat....be sure to be as clean as possible, soapy water is great, the oils in your fingertips can damage a great paintjob.
PICS PLz