Clear Coat Rims?
 

So, I just got some really good clear coat for a build. The bike itself took very little, so I have a ton left. It has a shelf life of 48 hours, so I was thinking things I could clear coat. I would take it clear coating rims would be a pretty bad idea if they're not being used with disc brakes, right? Just a random thought. Thanks!

You could go ahead and clear coat them. The brake shoes will wear it off fast enough, but the rest of the rim will still be coated. i don't know if it'll help, but it won't hurt.

If by any chance the brake shoes aren't able to wear through the coating fast enough for your liking, you can spin the wheel while holding a bit of fine sandpaper or scotchbrite against the brake track.

I agree it probably won't harm the wheels, but it may gum up the spokes and nipples and make future repair or maintenance difficult or impossible.

I wouldn't do it.

You going to take the wheel apart first?

Bike with Disc Brakes would be a Plus..

The rim is free standing right now. Nothing but the rim itself. So, you can take every other part out of the equation. I saw how fast they get dinged up (even in shipping) and was thinking maybe that'd help?? If there would be no big plus, I prob will pass on it.

It's not going to hurt anything, so why not be the test subject, and let us all know how it goes?

Once the rim is part of a wheel it is actually more protected (by the frame/fork, spokes, and tire). Dings during assembly and shipping/handling are common, but aside from the brake tracks (which will be worn and marred with clearcoat or no), rims often go largely unblemished in use.