To keep me entertained during the winter, I am planning to give one of my windsurf boards a makeover using the design of the 1990's Fanatic Mosquito. Some of you may remember the design.

Based on earlier posts I decided to get some Accrylic spray paint in an automotive shop plus some clear coat on top.

My question: Is the clear coat required to protect the paint below or is the main function to prepare the grip (i hear castor sugar is the way to go, right?)

This will be my first paint job, so I hope it does not turn out as a dog's breakfast...