Will clear coat stick to bare metal?

[oldcarnut]

I've started make my dash inserts out of stainless and achieved the finish I want after some experimenting.  I would like to clear coat to keep off finger prints etc and to clean easy but was wondering if anyone has done it to bare metal and if any special preps would be needed?  Most people with stainless appliances would know how the SS finishes show up smudges.

[ODZKing]

Well, I'm not sure about car body and what you're describing, but many times when I'm cleaning nuts and bolts, especially when they are visible.  I will wire-wheel them and then spary with clear simply to keep them the "metal" color.
Seems to work so far.
And frankly, if a paint would stick why wouldn't clear.  It's really nothing more than a paint.
But I'm far from an expert.  I'm sure someone can explain the properties much better than I understand thm.   

[oldcarnut]

Heres the first piece above the glovebox for what I'm talking about.  Was thinking about using some B/C exterior paint clear.  I've rattle canned nuts and bolts before too with clear engine enamel but wanted to make sure I got something that will last and durable on it.  Just figured that the paint usually has a primer under it first which I can't do here.  Also later I may be able to get it autographed by somebody special but thats on another thread so I want a good smooth surface other than the steel. The pieces are made from 11g 304SS if that matters any.

[FLG]

Eastwoods extreme clear, bill440rt did his billet alm serpentine setup with it (polished the setup first as well) and you can't even tell there clear coated.

[bill440rt]

Eastwoods extreme clear, bill440rt did his billet alm serpentine setup with it (polished the setup first as well) and you can't even tell there clear coated.

Clarification: Do NOT use Eastwood's Diamond Clear in a rattle can, it is garbage & does not look good on polished metals despite their claims IMHO. On the other hand their Diamond Extreme Clear is awesome. Comes in a little 1/2 pint can & is very expensive, smells terrible but works terrific. Spray it on with a little touch up gun for best results. Wear gloves to avoid any fingerprints, because if they're cleared over they're there forever.

[Cooter]

Automotive, over-the-counter Clear Coat usually chips after a little bit...Turns Yellow if sprayed onto engine parts as well...There is a special C/C used for Bare Metal...

[oldcarnut]

Thanks guys,  I'll make a trip by the paint store to see what they have and look into the Eastwood.

[elitecustombody]

Use Glisten PC made by POR 15 ,it's made exactly for that

[The70RT]

Use Glisten PC made by POR 15 ,it's made exactly for that

Thats what I used on some of my bare metal suspension parts and my gas tank.

[68blue]

I would keep the dry film thickness down .5 mil or so  to help with the appearence. Clearcoating a lot of plated parts over the years or brushed aluminium, people always wanted the"invisible finish".

[elacruze]

Keep in mind that with Stainless Steel, rust forms in the *absence* of Oxygen, so clear coating may show pimpling or rust crazing underneath after a while.

[1969chargerrtse]

Also there is satin ( flat ) clear so you don't get the shiny look.  I did my heater hose valve in it 3 years ago and it still looks ah La natural.