Duplicolor has two different types of clear, an acrylic lacquer, and an enamel clear...be sure to read the label carefully !!
I have had good luck with the acrylic lacquer if light coats, 3 - 4 are used.
I've always drilled a hole in the bottom of the figures foot and mounted the figure to the top of an empty paint jar.
You can glue the wire to the figure, but just bend the wire inside the lid, for easy removal when you're done.