Will clear coat spray protect paint on a metal beam?

I painted a window frame at my office with a latex paint that said it could be used on metal. But when it gets scratched the paint peels right off. CAN I USE A CLEAR COAT SPRAY TO KEEP IT FROM COMING OFF LIKE THIS? What would you use?Will clear coat spray protect paint on a metal beam?
If you put sealer on paint that is not sticking the the metal, the sealer will scratch off just like the paint. Before the beam was painted, it should have been thoroughly cleaned or pickled (rubbed down with vinegar to etch it) and primed with a quality primer, preferably oil based. Then primer should be allowed to dry thoroughly and a quality oil or water based paint applied, 2 coats.


No miracle fixes that I know of. Might have to strip and sand off old paint and start from square one.


SorryWill clear coat spray protect paint on a metal beam?
In my opinion, if the paint comes that easily, then putting a clear on it won't matter either. You'll have two layers peeling off instead of one.





The problem is, the paint is not sticking to the metal. Either the metal is dirty, or has a thick oxide layer on it, or maybe there's an oil film (hydrocarbons) on it. Did you clean the metal really well, or better yet...sand it before you painted it?





That's what I'd recommend. Lightly sanding all the surfaces, and then paint it. You shouldn't need a clear coat, unless you like wasting your time and money.
Clear coat just puts another coat of paint on. The base of the problem is the primer. Strip the metal, clean it with paint thinner or degreasing solutions. Apply a good primer and then your top coat of latex.