Hi Gray,
Two things will effect the look of the steel. First, steel is normally cleaned and degreased, then rinsed with an iron phosphate wash and then rinsed again with clean water and dried. This process cleans, adds corrosion resistance and adhesion. This process will also turn the steel blueish gold in a random fashion. although this step is used to increase adhesion and corrosion resistance it's not required. You can skip the iron phosphate step and sacrifice some durability. The other unpreditable discoloration will come from the high heat which will also effect the color of the steel. It may darken, show stain marks or give it and aged worn look. I'd try it on some scrap parts first. What ever you do, one thing never changes... the part must be absolutely pristine clean before coating. The high heat will amplify every defect. The clear coat will just make it shiney.
If you find a way please let me know how you did it.
Good luck!

Mark