Clear Coat for metal, wood, & painted signs

[John_Smith]

I am still on the hunt for a clear that will last a minimum of 5 years without maintenance.
Like so many of us here, we are chasing that elusive unicorn of a product. I've been out of the circuit for several years now, but active in the woodworking world.
The woodworkers are also searching for that "one shot and done" clear coat outside of the marine varnish world.
Have there been any significant discoveries in recent years that fit our needs??

 

[DL Signs]

Nothing really better or new has come out recently that I'm aware of.

What about automotive clear coats? There are sub $100 per gallon, with hardener included, catalyzed urethane clears that would be low end for automotive use, but high end and have good longevity for everything else. Automotive clears have good buildup, can do multi coats back to back in one session, they don't yellow or change color with age. Not as environmentally friendly as the usual options, but not really that much worse than some. Available in gloss, matte, flat, sticks well to anything properly prepped, and stays looking good. This is what I turn to when I need something good, but I grew up in a body shop, soooo...

 

[John_Smith]

I'm focused on the average homeowner DIY enthusiasts. The 2k products and "gallon only" sizes are not in the mix.
Ever since the POR-15 Pelucid fiasco, I'm quite leery of the commercial advertising hype.
So now, I tune into the factual hands-on experience from folks who have actually used a product for years.
Even Helmsman Spar Urethane touts years of good service on outdoor furniture . . . .

 

[geb]

https://starscenic.net/

They sell a product I use a lot of. Ronan UV Aquathane Absorber. I use it on mdo signs top coated with bulletin enamels with good luck. Never done furniture, but it's expensive, maybe give a try.

 

[Signstein]

https://starscenic.net/

They sell a product I use a lot of. Ronan UV Aquathane Absorber. I use it on mdo signs top coated with bulletin enamels with good luck. Never done furniture, but it's expensive, maybe give a try.

I didn't realize Ronan had quite a few water-based clearcoats. I've always used their Frog Juice with good results. It works with everything I use: vinyl, gold leaf, oil & acrylic paints, can edge-seal PVC and foam boards, plus I use it as a barrier coat when faux graining or layering latex over gold leaf.

Frog Juice | Ronan Paints

Product information and technical details about Ronan's Frog Juice Sunscreen Clear.

www.ronanpaints.com

 

[John_Smith]

The history of Frog Juice is that a company that made clear screen printing ink was going out of business, and our fellow artisan, Butch Anton, loved it so much he bought as much as he could in 55 gallon drums and relabeled it as his own Frog Juice. Butch was definitely one of a kind.

Robert "Butch" Anton 'Superfrog' Obituary September 14, 2025 - Wright Funeral Home and Cremation Service

View Robert "Butch" Anton 'Superfrog''s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

www.wrightfuneral.com