I think which paint company you like depends on what company support is available in your area. Sherwin Williams has some good clearcoats, but mediocre support in my area. PPG and DuPont have excellent support in this area. Don't buy any of these companies' cheaper clears though.
I wholeheartedly agree that PREP makes the paintjob!

 

Actually, SW makes Finish 1 clears, that run somewhere in the $80 range - with hardener - that are awfully good for that price range. For someone who doesn't want to pop something in the neighborhood for $300 for clear, it's a damn good choice.

Having buffed out the scratches in my factory clearcoat a few times, I'm pretty sure when I finally get around to painting my bike, I'll go with the Sherwin-Williams SRC1 clear. It's a scratch resistant, self-healing clear.

 

I helped a friend paint his rod ('33 Highboy) using House of Kolor ... Some Mighty Fine Paint from those folks. Especially if you're looking for a true custom color. A little on the expensive side, though, so it's only something I'd buy if I were going to do a top-notch job for finish.

http://www.houseofkolor.com/

I have a '76 MG Midget that I just ordered paint for, and I'm waiting to see how good the quality is. The company is Trinity 1945. They were recommneded by another friend of mine that has used them on several cars. Here's the link ...

https://www.paintforcars.com/

I've seen their paint on a couple cars and it looked pretty good. Both were Acrylic Enamel but only one had a clearcoat finish. They both looked good, but if you want a "showroom" type finish then I'd strongly recommend the clearcoat. If you're looking for something for a daily driver that doesn't need to win trophies then the basic enamel without clearcoat is fine.

My next paint job will probably be my convertible Mustang, but I want to see how the Trinity paint works before I committ to them.

 

If you going to rattle can it, Color Rite's Harley Vivid Black is spot on.

 

hot rod flatz copper pearl, 2 coats uerathane clear, cut and buff. did it in my garage this past winter. first timer.

 

Guess I am inclined to agree with ya, Al.

 

Along those same lines, you have the Planet Color line from Sherwin-Williams.

 

I have used one of sherwin williams "economy" clears with good results. As a matter of fact it is on one of my bikes now and it looks great after 4 years of use.

 

God Bless the Red, White, & Blue..

 

gotta love the dahm triplets!!!