how important is a top coat?

[facio57]

hey everyone! i just got done painting my gas tank flat black and the results are amazing! some water and 600 grit sandpaper go a long way! i was just wondering if i need a clear/top coat to put on top of it to protect it? any ideas? thanks everyone!

~facio

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I would most definitely put a clearcoat on it, or it will just oxidize inside of a few weeks (maybe sooner)... Just my $.02.. Plus, the clearcoat gives you that nice glossy look.

[hmmmnz]

yep do it, do a coat leave it for a day to dry then do another, just thin coats mind. do that as many times you think nessary, some people like to sand between coats as well, with like a 1200 grit wet.