Is clear-coating absolutely essential?

[Nazxul360]

Hey guys,

I've been doing my first ever case paint job over the last couple of weeks, and after my last couple of coats of colour, I have found that the texture and shine is EXACTLY how I want it. The paint has completely dried, doesn't mark from fingerprints and doesn't seem to be coming off when I rub it excessively or anything like that.

Anyway, as I said, this is my first paint job and I don't know all that much about it so pardon my ignorance if this is ridiculous, but my question is this; Is it safe or acceptable to NOT do a clear coat? I have it looking exactly how I want and am afraid that the clear will make it look too shiny or whatnot. So is this an acceptable thing to do? Or is clear an absolutely neccesary step that no paintjob should be without?

Thanks guys.

[dgrmkrp]

i'm no expert.. still learning.. but from my painting history, clear coat is a must.. even on a brand new case.. rub it the wrong way and paint comes off... but after i coat it, i can rubb it with my finger nail or even try with some sharp tool.. i cant' scrape the coat off and if it does scratch, it wont go tru the paint.. there are glossy and matte coats, so you can choose.. of course, there is another way.. u can bake the aint and get it stronger.. or use another type of painting, like electrostatic painting.. where paint is dipossited on a surface then it is baked and it gets really hard.. tried that once, doesn't need a clear coat and if u give a color coat it gets shinier.. but it's considerably thick and may chip away if it's hit..

if u can live without clearcoat.. so be it :) it isn't neccessary.. just protects your investment :)