factory snowflakes were cleared when new with a very thin clear. it would wear or flake off after many years on the rims ive seen. my snowflakes back in the early 90's wore the clear off to where if you polished by hand the rag would get the black residue from the bare aluminum, would shine up real nice though, you just had to keep up on them or they would oxidize & dull.
rims i have now were sent off for restoration & cut into fresh metal on a lathe, they usually clear coat them with a powder coat clear... but it comes out very orange peeled & can get lint or debris in it & not look very good. not too mention that if you get a chip in it they cant really be touched up right & possibility for yellowing after many years of use & brake dust etc. i chose to not have them cleared to avoid those issues & they look excellent. i just do a light waxing on them once a year & they have stayed looking like new for over 9 years now.
so i say no clear if its not a daily driver in harsh conditions. just a little maintnance will keep them looking great & no clear issues.
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