Do I have to clear coat my unfinished chassis?

[Smokebreak]

I'm building an amp project, and have a pre-drilled, aluminum chassis to work with.

I wasn't going to paint it, but is it imperative that I clear coat it?

Thanks.

[Mooly]

I don't think so, and aluminium isn't easy to "paint" with normal finishes as I think plain aluminium oxidises in contact with air forming a natural "coating" that has that dull grey look.

If it is a chassis that is out of sight then I would just rub it down if appearance bothers you and there are surface scratches.

Maybe there are special paints and finishes that could be DIY applied but it's never an issue that I given any thought to tbh.

Aluminium front panels and cosmetic parts are usually hard anodised rather than plain.

[Smokebreak]

Thanks a bunch!!