First.........get the TECH SHEETS on the products you plan to use from the
supplier you bought them from. The Tech Info will tell you the recommended
drying times........what is to long and what's not long enough......along with
correct air pressures, mix ratios, fluid tip sizes, etc. for that particular product.
It is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to paint.
For an example of a Tech Sheet....see post #7 of this thread....
http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=773
Are the stripes going to Painted or Tape? ............ Just Curious.
Either way.......Yes.......they can be applied before Clear Coat.
Make sure the base color is dry enough before you apply the stripe.
(Which takes us back to the Tech Info........

)
I've seen guys apply Harley Davidson Decals to gas tanks and clear over
them.....the decals would then look as if they were painted on.
If you do apply a decal just before clear .......... apply it dry..... don't use water
to apply it. I think the reasons should be obvious.