Will clear powder coating protect polished aluminum?

[pbs911]

I have some alluminum wheels that are polished to a high shine. I want to avoid having to continu polishing in the future. Is there any sort of coating, such as clear powder coating, that can be used to "seal" the wheels to prevent them from dulling?

[surflvr911sc]

I think clear anodizing and clear powder-coating are the best approaches for a nice finish that will be long lasting. Unfortunately, both will dull that high polished finish to certain extent. You know what the clear anodized finish looks like and I know that’s not what you are looking for.

The powder coating would be the best compromise. It will still look polished but not quite as brilliantly as bare polished Aluminum. It will be a heck of a lot easier to maintain though.

Any coating can chip and scratch but I’m sure either of the two would give you long lasting protection.

[RickM]

There is clear powder coating. From what I've read it reduces briliance by about 15%. From experience with a non-powder coated clear on polished wheels I'd venture to say that this is true....and this is acceptable for me.

Contrary to the perception that Powder coating is indestructible, once you get a crack, chip or scratch in the clear it will continue to lift and allow the aluminum to corrode.

All-in-all I'd say it's worth the investment.