You are correct. Talk to cudaspaz about the clear coat.... he has been there done that. My stripe is on the outside the paint and is flat black ... I of course put my stripe on after I bought the car which was already painted. My painter I use will not paint over a decal.... he just will not do it no matter what. I don't know why it would seem it would be protected that way.
Oh make sure you let the clear flash out before the stripe goes on... at least a month.
