Lacquer vs polyurethane on metal

[Mark Gibney]

I need to clear coat steel coffee table legs.
The legs are 1/2” 17x17 P&O steel that I will blue.
Would you use lacquer or poly?

In the past I’ve used lacquer and I like how fast and easy it is.
Just wondering if poly (oil based) will add any durability?

Thanks, Mark

[johnny means]

Poly would be less durable.

[Mark Gibney]

I would have figured poly to be more durable, as brushed on oil based poly on woodwork is tougher than lacquer.
But I do like how easy it is to apply the lacquer to it's not hard to talk me out of the poly!

[Ole Anderson]

Two part automotive clear coat? Maybe even a rattle can version?

[Stan Calow]

Wouldn't you really be mostly concerned with which finish will stick to the metal the strongest?

[Mark Gibney]

Which will?

[Stan Calow]

No experience here, but I would guess lacquer - automotive lacquer. If I was going whole hog, I'd see if an auto body shop would do it and bake it on.

[Mark Gibney]

Not a bad idea. Thanks.