SO REFRESHING to find more MIJ praises throughout this thread. I just advised a youngin on FB to buy an MIJ (first vintage kit) - adding that I don't think he should wait 20-30 years to discover the greatness of vintage MIJ. By then it will be impossible to find one at the prices we can get them now (though they are harder to find and higher pricing than 5 years ago).
Perhaps you might want to consider wrapping it......in something experimental, like contact paper or wallpaper. Then, clearcoat on top.
I plan to try wallpaper but since it is the expensive textured stuff, I may not even have to use a clearcoat on it. Still in the experimental phase.
My project kit: It's a frankenstein bastardized MIJ - possible a Hoshino. It's a thin shell kit with rerings BTW.