What's your opinion on best clear coat product for onto bare metal ?

O

Overspray

Got a project in and we need to clear the existing metal of a NOS axle and gas tank and leave it unpainted just like the factory did it. We have used Diamond which is non catalyzed and cut with Xylene to spray in the past and it has lasted O.K.. Don't know if a regular top side clear or Euro Clear would etch enough into the metal substrate to be a winner.

Have read where some say that clear enamel products and clear urethanes onto clean prepared metal eventually laminate and/or peel off. If we can get 3 years or so out of these under body components and then only need to scratch and reapply before any of these potential issues arise, that would be O.K.

Anyone know of other and better products out there specifically made for this application ?

Thanks in advance for any input.
 
3 years? Might try cleaning with white vinegar. drying and clearing, should make it 3 years, no clear will be better then another in this case.
As none will work well.

Another idea is use the adpro with activator, spray a medium coat and in 30 minutes clear., Still on testing on Aluminum but been about three years (would need to look up) and doing good.
 
National Parts Depot sells a product called RPM (Rust Prevention Magic). It is a brush on, heat-activated metal preservative. Might be good on the axle but not sure about the gas tank.
I have never used it but it does get good reviews. It might also be another snake oil product.
 
3 years ? It's the length of my tail light guarantee . Ha!

So how about a clear powder coat ?
 
I had my valve covers and manifold powder coat cleared on my 383 stroker been on there for 15years and doing good but then again it's still on the engine
stand if that counts.
 
Overspray;n78894 said:
3 years ? It's the length of my tail light guaranty . Ha!

So how about a clear powder coat ?
Click to expand...

Now that sounds like a great plan! Hands down.
 
Check into cerakote mc160. It is an 1 part air dry thin ceramic clear. Gun hobbyists frequently use it, so it's tough. Tert butyl acetate is the solvent in it. http://www.cerakoteguncoatings.com/resources/files/MC-160%20High%20Gloss%20Ceramic%20Clear%20Product%20D ata.pdf

https://www.clearcoating.com/products/MC-160/

Haven't personally tried it yet, but plan on it. A few people on pro-touring .com I know have had polished aluminum parts coated with for years now.
 
DATEC;n78909 said:
I had my valve covers and manifold powder coat cleared on my 383 stroker been on there for 15years and doing good but then again it's still on the engine
stand if that counts.
Click to expand...

…. ya gotta love it though DATEC - Have a lot of things hanging around my shop too like that. Just love to look at them but just don't know what will come of em once outside and back into the elements.

Thanks fellas. It appears the clear coats out there eventually show signs of eventual compromises and various moisture intrusions and the surface applications of various flavors eventually need reapplications and offer varing degrees of acceptable appearance, longevity and feel. Below are just a few of the results from my recent searches for anyone reading this now or in the future and may find this helpful:

LU767 /Indoor Metal Protectant - Aerosol | Sprayon

Catalog | Boeshield T-9®

$ 16 / RestoGuard Dry-gastanks.com

BlockCorrosion.com Homepage

Corrosion Technologies 91002 CorrosionX 16 oz. trigger spray: Automotive

Rust-Veto A2 - Cosmoline "Quick Dry" Rust Preventive. Buy Direct & Save! 24-3250

Sharkhide Metal Protectant
 
Industrial side there is a clear called Glyptal. Its a varnish type substance, some engine builders used to spray the inside of the block to seal the porosity and expedite oil returning to the pan, we used to coat x ray slide tables for Raytheon with it. So when no automotive clear is necessarily going to do the job, go old school and use a product that will work.
 
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