Yes I have experience with this.
Although clear coating will make the surface shinier
than just paint, in general, paint is more durable and longer lasting
than clear coating because the major factor contributing to any coating
failure is UV degradation from sun light. Paint has pigment that blocks
UV radiation, clear coat does not. Some clear coatings have a UV
inhibitor in them but they are still not as good as paint.
The only time that I have used clear coatings over paint was if a
customer requested it even after I explained that it would not be as
durable as paint or to temporarily salvage a badly weathered surface.
Some unscupulous vendors would use the clear coat gimmick as a way to
increase "protection" and charge more for a job.
It seems to make sense but it just ain't so.
My experience is with outdoor wooden commercial signs rather than
strictly boats. From my experience, paint is about five times longer
lasting than varnish or clear coat.
If you want short term shinyness, clearcoat.
Otherwise a meticulously applied paint coating with proper primers
beneath will be superior in appearance and longevity.



Paul Oman wrote:
Hello:

Anyone have any experience or views about applying a
urethane clear coat over a new enamel or urethane paint
job? Sort of like the clear coat on a car.


paul oman

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