Clear coating a Powder coated box question

[plankspank]

I usually prep & paint my own boxes, but I've decided to try a powder coated box.
My question concerns the paint compatability of a clear top coat (to seal the water slide artwork) on top of the powder coat. Would either an enamel or acrylic clear coat pose any compatability issues (i.e orange peel, ect).... which works best??

[Pushtone]

I usually prep & paint my own boxes, but I've decided to try a powder coated box.
My question concerns the paint compatability of a clear top coat (to seal the water slide artwork) on top of the powder coat. Would either an enamel or acrylic clear coat pose any compatability issues (i.e orange peel, ect).... which works best??

Powder Coat should be compatible with ANY clear spray paint because PC does not use solvents.
It's the solvents that interact and cause paint to crackle and peal.

As far as orange peal... that depends on how well you prep the box (sanding), how thick your spraying, temperature and humidity.
AFAIK the only way to get rid of orange peel is to wet sand between clear coats with 600 then 800 grit.
And since you have to wait till the clear dries it would take days to get a "custom shop" type finish with several coats.

I did that with my first box but not since.
I think a single coat of clear over powder coating looks fine.
Spray more coats and the orange peel thing starts to become a problem.

FWIW, I use Tremclad spray paint.

Before spraying clear I "rough-up" the powder coat with 000 steel wool so the clear has something to grab on to.

Dave