I am working on an acrylic painting (on stretched canvas), where i would like to create in one section the effect of transparent plastic or thick varnish, something like lacquer paint or the finish u get on cars etc.. u know how it's smooth and shiny ... any ideas on how i can achieve that? I need something that would withstand time not crack or change color (coz it's my master piece lol) , something that would let the drawings and paintings beneath retain same colours and show thru clearly (giving a 3d effect maybe), something that won't smell very strong after i am done with it and wont let out toxic fumes, and last of all something that may be preferably applied with brush rather that gun spray or something like that ...
so lol what can i do??? tx just suggest something even if it doesn't match 100% this way at least i will know what works and what will not work. It's also on canvas so i don't know if it makes it any harder than say on metal etc.. plus if i need to polish the finished paint i am worried it might tear the canvas... i went to the store and the salesman suggested some regular varnish (i think like the one u apply when u are done painting) but i am not sure it will give the effect i am looking for so thought id ask in here first. he also suggested to get regular transparent laquer
paint from another store, what do you think i should do, would it work?

tickle

Regular transparent lacquer will work but I would suggest spraying it on rather than brushing it on as brushing may smear your oil (or acrylic). I would not suggest polishing it after as you will not have to, the finish will be shiny the way you want it. It may take longer to dry as well.

Clough

Yes. I agree about using clear lacquer. You could spray in on very lightly so that the colors don't get dissolved and smear. I would think that if you were to brush anything on, then there might be the possibility of some smearing occurring.

I am going to alert someone else to your post who would be able to give you some additional information because they are a professional in dealing with these sort of things.