Topic: Paint - To Clear or Not to Clear???

[Johnie]

I have stripped, primed and painted some of the small black parts (battery box, tool holder, foot pegs, air box bracket, ignition bracket) on my KO with the semi-gloss squirt cans.  Would there be a benefit to a top coat of semi-gloss clear?  Or should I just leave as is?  Thanks

[Jay B]

From my limited experiance with paint, you should probably try it on a scrap peice first. Unless the paint and clear are compatible, the clear might lift the paint and ruin your paint job.

[UnCrash]

Rattle can spray isn't often compatible with clears, I echo the sentiment to test first.

[mgmuellner]

When I rattle can, I dont expect it to last a long time (like a powercoat would), so I dont clear it.  Makes touch up's that much easier.

[jdawg]

The additional clear coats would offer additional protection to the paint. I say go ahead and do if you want, I would.

When using any paints (spray bomb or gunnable) make sure you use one brand and one 'system'. that way you know everything is compatable. For instance; don't use Rustoleum black spray bomb and then clear with Krylon. It might work, but why risk it. even within brands of paint make sure to use the same 'system'. Alot of the manufactuers have enamel and acylic sitting next to each other on the shelves. Pick one and stay with all the way thru - primer-paint-clear.

[bhppy101]

I usually use Rustoleum oil based brush on paint on my frames and metal parts that attach to the frame. This is by far...the toughest paint I've used for frames and bits...and its chemical resistant as well.