Clear Coat Products For Steel Outdoors

[SamAbe]

What have you used? Which ones do you prefer?



I make steel sculpture, and have been a tad overwhelmed at the variety of different clear coating options available. I want a clear coat that can go on bare steel, and can hold up to the elements outdoors.



I like the products from Sculpt Nouveau, their Hydro Clear and Ever Clear. What bothers me is that these require mixing and have a limited working time. I'd much rather have something that is ready to spray, so I don't have to worry about wasting $$$ if I don't use the whole thing. These seem a bit pricey but I have little reference.



Flood Penetrol is far cheaper, requires no mixing, and is supposedly good for outdoor applications, but are there downsides? Would this be not so environmentally friendly for a garden sculpture for example?



What else should I check out?

[Jaroslav]

For exhibition purposes, I use acrylic topcoat for metallics. After degreasing.
It covers perfectly and it is possible to repair damaged areas.
I don't know what he will do outside.
It was created after many people stroked samples of my work.

Make sculptures from stainless steel and you have no problem...

[DarkLightning]

300 series stainless is certainly a solution.

As for regular types of steel, I'd try automotive clear coat(s). I have some Paint Shop clear lacquer in matte and gloss which seem to hold up well. Purchased at an O'Reillys parts store. It's not catalyzed, so there would be minimal waste. Might have to wax it periodically?

[drivejunk]

Outdoor coatings for any purpose that require mixing and have a potlife offer significantly greater performance than ones that don't. My suggestion for best results is to use a light application of a single component product to protect parts as they are produced. Then after assembly, a full overall application of a catalyzed product.

[scranm]

https://www.kbs-coatings.com/diamondfinish-clear.html

[Adam H]

https://www.everbritecoatings.com/pr...SAAEgK6mPD_BwE