Paint coating

I've got a pretty old notebook here, just an old thinkpad I believe with a plastic case. My friends and I had an idea that we could paint something onto it, and perhaps coat that with something. They can handle the painting, I was just wondering what materials to use.

What I basically want is to paint on just the lid, acrylic, oil-based, whatever, we can use anything, then coat that with something hard enough to keep the paint from flaking off from basic use. We don't need it to be professional quality, as it is just an old crappy laptop, just good enough.

 

I know people who decorate electronics with permanent craft pens, like Pilot permaball, Pilot Toughwash or use puffy paint pens like Donga Popcorn pens.

 

I'm mainly looking for a way to apply a shellac-esque coating on top of the paint, something that wouldn't melt the plastic and would stick over paint and plastic.

 

Like Krylon crystal clear acrylic spray?

 

Thanks for the link, I suppose I should just talk to the paint people at some hardware store to see if they know what would be best. I kind find all sorts of clear coats, but most of the ones I used would stand up to even being pulled across carpet.

 

If you don't mind spending a few more dollars head down to your local auto paint supply store and buy some 2 part PPG or equivalent paint - PPG Concept is a good mid grade paint that gives a nice glossy finish. If it's a nice store, they'll give you quick instructional on how to use. They should point you to a Prevail disposible aerosal can to apply it.