Thread: Clear coat polished aluminum

I am using a clear enamel from Rustoleum after I polish my lower fork tubes and other alum parts. But, I am getting a lot of clouding with the clear. Can anyone recommend a better clear?

What you want is a clear specifically formulated for direct-to-metal application, in other words wheel clearcoat. Any place that sells rattlecan automotive paints should have it. Clearcoating polished aluminum and getting a perfect result isn't the easiest task. Moisture and surface contamination are what cause clouding, most of the time. Spray the pieces with brake cleaner, followed by a wipedown with a clean cotton rag (no fabric softener). It usually takes two light coats, with good spray technique, to get the look right. For this application, thinner is better. Not only will it be easier to avoid cloudiness, but the thinner finish will be less prone to chipping.

The moisture is the culprit. The paint dries before the moisture can escape. You either need a product that sets up slower or a really dry area for painting.

powder coat them in clear.