Brainstorming ways to preserve ceramic paint job

[rocketbox.livejournal.com]

Hey everyone! I recently picked up a pair of antique colonial figure lamps (not unlike this sort of thing), and I have the uncontrollable urge to spraypaint them black. (I know, I know. Shame on me.)

Do any of you crafters happen to know of some peel-off compound I could apply to the surface in order to preserve the original paint job? Latex? Sculpey? Saran wrap?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!