I read this and smiled- I recently restored my logo flags on my Solo/Selene. They're bronze with enameled highlights, about 11" across, 1ea P/S. I stripped the old stuff off with paint stripper, cleaned them in a muriatic acid wash, then buffed with scotchbrite pads. I darkened the bronze with brass antiquing solution followed with a neutralizing baking soda rinse. It also acts as a sort of primer.
Painting the colored parts is super tedious, I'm no sign painter! I used "1-Shot" sign paint with hardener added. After allowing the paint to cure, I top coated both sides of the pieces with
"Protecta-Clear" to seal it. I've used the product in the past, it does everything it claims. I used it on the logo badges before, the Protecta-Clear was still good after 5 yrs. exposure, the underlying paint, not so much! I hadn't used 1-Shot the last time they were done, so I'm hopeful that it, helped with the hardener, will last.
But for any exposed brass/bronze/copper or metal in general, the Protecta-Clear is really excellent. I used it on a brass Weems & Plath lamp 5 yrs ago. There are some minor spots that are getting dark, but it remains bright. The key is the prep, and it must be perfectly clean, no acid, no fingerprints! The spray is self-leveling, very forgiving, and it's worlds better than spray lacquer or any product you'll find in the home stores. Great stuff! Only caution is use as a clear coat over enamel, the enamel should have a hardener added and allowed to fully cure or there's a risk the clear coat will wrinkle the enamel. Yep, I did that detail painting TWICE!
