Digital BW, The Print

>   1) Any chance a coating would suffice? And if so, would would work?
>   What I have at hand is acrylic paint base (tough, waterproof and
>   archival) including a means to apply an acrylic matte surface
>   coating. But I'm happy to invest in something that's better suited.
> 
>   2) What matte paper would be tough enough to decently survive and
>   still good enough for fine art? I'm willing to accept if I can't use
>   fibre based paper and have to use some kind of synthetic/RC paper.
>   But it should be matte.

Innova Soft Texture is pretty scuff resistant on it's own, but as David said, Glamour II does 
a great job in protecting the surface. I tried it yesterday on William Turner with a 20% 
glossy-80% matte mix, then added 25% water and applied with a roller. No hassle, quick, 
and it looks just fine. If you need to make it -more matte- apply a thin coat of McDonalds 
matte SureGuard and you'll be more than fine! I also used it as an adhesive (foamcore)... 
worked fine too!

I hope it helps,

Pablo