so i'm trying to do a combination of flat and gloss paints on my bike.  the problem is, i can't clearcoat the flat stuff or it gets glossy.  

i've been unable to find any flat clearcoat in spray cans.  the stuff exists in automotive paint, but i don't really feel like spending that much.  also, what happens if i buff flat clearcoat?  what happens if i put glossy clearcoat on top of flat clear coat?

anyway, i don't feel good about not clear-coating in terms of protecting the finish.  about the only thing i can think is to clear the whole thing, and then wet sand, but not buff out the flat parts.  anyone have any other suggestions?

I'll tell you flat out, I don't know jack.  Never met him.  But I can tell you one thing.  You can't buff a flat(or matte) finish.  Buffing is another word for producing a shiny finish.  You can buy a flat or satin clear coat but I have done alot of painting and have never been able to produce good results from a satin clear coat over black paint with rattle cans.  Black shows every surface flaw more than any other color of paint, and with a satin clear coat from a rattle can you run the chance of having some parts of the tank ending up shiner than other parts.  That's just the way satin clear coats from rattle cans are sometimes.  I really think the only way you will achieve an awesome satin finish is to shell out some bucks at the auto paint store for a satin black that looks like the Ducati satin.  Then you'll need a HVLP gun, compressor, etc.  Harbor Freight has decent HVLP guns.