Protecting "Patina" Paint

The hood on my truck is weathered. While I personally like the finish and have no plans to paint it, I would like to protect the exposed metal.

I've used polish before but with the storms and weather down here in South Florida (truck lives outside), it's washed off in less than a month.

I then tried using the "Patina Preserver" from Eastwood, but that dried in a semi-gloss that I really didn't like. Plus, it was gone in about 4-5 months.

I'm now using boiled linseed oil and while it's ok, when it rains, it runs all over my new, chrome grill.

That being said, does anyone know of any other products that will adhere to the panel, protect the panel and come in a gloss finish?

AFAIK, clear coat is not an option, as it will not bond to the exposed metal and will start to flake off and turn white in a couple of months, which would require a complete re-finish of the hood.

There are many options. For a true patina look, you don't want gloss. However, the way to handle it the best is using a clear base paint, followed by a true top coat clear. I would suggest using a satin clear, for a true realistic patina look. But that choice is yours. The clear base is often used to apply pearls or flakes, etc. But it is a base, so with the same adhesion. Then the clear.

Very interesting Pete, thanks for sharing.

Can you recommend any brands and send links? I'm having a hard time finding "clear base paint" when I Google it - most searches are coming up with gray primers and colored etch primers.

Yeah, they are called Intercoat Clear. Here's a Google of them.  https://www.google.com/search?q=intercoat+clear&hl=en&authuser=0&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiS27WMqdTjAhXd8OAKHaJDC8gQ_AUIESgB&biw=1422&bih=951

There's a guy on YouTube (Mustie1) who has a 1959 VW Kombi pickup called Krusty(?)

He uses a blend of beeswax and linseed oil to protect it.
It has a little bit of sheen but it's not obtrusive.

New Hampshire winters are pretty rough.

Of course, once you go down that road there's no turning back.

https://youtu.be/bLa2v9ydEWA