JR,
I put a "cap dip" and cresting on my carbons using the inexpensive Testors brand model paints. I do the cap with spray on (I recomend a white primer coat to save on weight) and the cresting with the regular small bottles. I don't do any clear coat and the paint seems to stay on fine.
I use the enamel, not the acrylic. You have to use paint thinner for clean up but I think it is tougher. The spray cans are about 4 bucks and the small bottles are around .89 cents each. I can post some pics if you would like to see how it looks.
I clean the shafts using acetone prior to painting (again, I think this helps the paint to stick better) and let them dry good.
It has also been my experience that the metallic paints will run when any solvent based clear coat is applied. I tried doing the metallic over the clear coat but that was not a durable solution. I solved my problem, I quit using them.
Like I said, holler if you would like to see what they look like.
OkKeith