[mcampbell]

I use a lot of POR-15 as a base coat if I weld up a gate or railing that will be exposed to water like lawn sprinklers. It sticks to new bare metal if wiped first with lacquer thinner.
I put a color coat on almost every application because I've heard POR-15 fades quick with UV exposure. My top coat will not stick to fully cured POR-15 because the surface is too shiny. This means I have to paint POR-15 early and after 3-6 hours when it cures from runny to tacky then I can roll/brush/spray the color coat.
I have white rattle can top coated swamp cooler brackets in my yard that still look great after 15 years in Mr sun. The bonus is how smooth even the top coat flows out and even brush marks disappear with a POR-15 base.