Originally Posted by Murray Missile

If you're going to repaint any exposed areas need to be treated with Alodine to prevent corrosion. You clean them with alcohol then apply the Alodine. It can be brushed on but may thicken around the edges and if you try to sand it smooth you will expose the base metal again and have to start over. It's easier to get an even application using a Prevail sprayer or air brush.

Originally Posted by Kontact

I polished a Cannondale in 1990, and it still looked good 20 years later with no clear coat. I wouldn't both with a clear coat.