Ed, The simplest plate finish I know of on the market is Steinway bronze spray. They sell it in aerosol cans (a bit pricey). No clear coating necessary. Just spray a light coat over your primer (the prime coat needs at least a week of drying time), wait a couple of days and spray another coat. It looks great. The big problem with clear coating is one of compatibility with the gold or bronze undercoat. If you ever have to repair a scratch over the clear coat, spraying the bronzing material on the clear can dissolve everything underneath. I worked in the Baldwin factory many years. I don't recommend clear coating to anyone. Charles Faulk RPT Manhattan, KS
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