Best clear coat for bare metal?

[Arkansas Metal Art]

Curious if anyone is clear coating bare metal and what your using? I found Eastwood sells an aerosol for this purpose. I'd also like to look into tinted clear coats for bare metals. Anyone messed with those?

 

[El Jefe]

Great question, Its pretty dry in Nevada, so bare metal takes on a nice color here. We also have a good selection of powder coating business as well as plating options. Would be nice to find something that can be applied at home quickly and inexpensive.

 

[Matt]

I just use clear coat automotive enamel for it, haven't tried tinted but I have tried the hammered style paint and that came out decent.

 

[Arkansas Metal Art]

Tinted clear adds an amazing finish.

 

[Matt]

Thats a nice color on the backplate. Just did a similar piece for a friend, I just went with a clear coat on it though.

 

[Mike Pennington]

I have added a tiny bit of Chrome Allusion paint into some of my clears. Makes a dramatic change as you walk around and look from different angles. I use it over my heat colored work.
Mike

 

[Arkansas Metal Art]

I have added a tiny bit of Chrome Allusion paint into some of my clears. Makes a dramatic change as you walk around and look from different angles. I use it over my heat colored work.
Mike

Cool. Pics?

 

[Mike Pennington]

I will try to get a pic up of my latest project today.
Mike

 

[Mike Pennington]

Here is the latest project I used chrome allusion on. I just mix a small amoumt, about a teaspoon , in a full gun. Hard to see the affect, but it really is cool with the sun on it.
This clock is 34 inches in diameter and will be put on a cable spool end by my Daughter. They sell like hotcakes.
Mike

 

[Arkansas Metal Art]

Nice. Post a pic of it mounted. Looks good.

 

[Mike Pennington]

Thanks,
I will post a pic. Will be later this summer.
Mike

 

[welderNoob7]

Has anyone tried Mavcoat Steel Shield? I hear its a new unique "clear coat" that is weldable.

 

[El Jefe]

Has anyone tried Mavcoat Steel Shield? I hear its a new unique "clear coat" that is weldable.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/US/EN/literature/e149011.pdf
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/welding-gear/tools/Pages/welding-fluids.aspx

 

[Mike Pennington]

I will look into it. Looks like something to try.
Mike

 

[Cypress]

I've had really good luck with Spar Urethane expecially for exterior.

 

[J3mbeck]

http://permalac.com/ we used to use it a lot but have switched to SW opex and SW Polane. You can get Permalac in spray cans.

 

[Hu Harries]

Hey all,

Have any of you guys used sharkhide metal protectant before?

My understanding of it, is it keeps the bare metal look and is low maintenance.