Exterior Grade Clear Coat for Brass

[rossmosh]

95% of the time I can convince a customer to switch from brass to something else for exterior use. Most of the time I'm able to just warn them it will tarnish and look bad after a few years when the lacquer starts breaking down, and they accept it and move on because it's not a huge expense if they need to replace it. In this circumstance it needs to look good and last as replacing every 5 years is simply not an option.

Anyone have a good exterior grade clear coat for brass?

Most of what I'm seeing is only good for a few years. I believe Matthews clear will last outside as I'm pretty sure that's what Gemini uses. I assume most automotive clear coats would work? I also have some Modern Masters clear coat that I actually think would work for the job, but I'm not willing to take the risk.

 

[Billct2]

We used some Matthews clear over copper, maybe 20 years ago. The sign still looks fresh.
The client washes & waxes it a few times a year.

 

[rjssigns]

Clear powder coat would be an option.

 

[SightLine]

I'd think the clear powder coat might be a good option as long as it has good UV inhibitors and will not yellow (this is not as much of an issue over yellow brass) over time. I might look into the Matthews clear - that sounds like it might be a good option too. I've often used Nikolas #8321 which also works great but it does eventually break down after some number of years but the quality is excellent. The other that I've tried more recently is Permalac - I've not had the years to see for myself yet but I've seen other say its lasting well over 10 years outdoors....even on marine hardware.