Paint Question (rattle-can saddlebag clear coat)

[Lucien Harpress]

I've just spent the last few weeks re-painting my motorcycle as part of my winter maintenance. The tank and sidecovers are done. The next step is to paint my set of hard saddlebags. Now, I've already got the paint figured out (Enamel Rustoleum, same colors I've used on the bike). What I need help with is the clear coat.

When it came to the tank, I sprung for a couple cans of the SprayMax 2 part Urethane. This was enough for the tank AND sidecovers. However, now that I'm working on the bags (where gas shouldn't get to, if I know what I'm doing), is this really necessary? Could I get away with a simple Rustoleum Enamel clear coat for these? That way I wouldn't have to keep ordering expensive clear coat that I don't need.

I guess my concerns are for physical durability (against dings and scrapes) versus a chemical durability, in a can that's relatively cheap and easy (for me) to get to. Any advice?

[tinman905]

You can beat the durability of a urethane clear coat but any clear coat will be better than nothing at all.

[crazy steve]

I'd stick with the two-part. Not only is it more durable in terms of gas spillage, it's just better paint all around. It won't scuff, scratch or mar as easily. Plus you may have an issue with the two different kinds of clear 'yellowing' different (and all clears will, sooner or later). May have different UV protection too, so the base may not fade at the same rate.

'78E original owner