Using clear RustSeal to monitor rust condition

[Dave]

Sure, two coats of the clear RustSeal will will allow you to see the steel underneath. However while the clear gives great rust protection by encapsulating the steel in a barrier that will not allow moisture to get to the steel, due to the lack of pigments, does not have quite the abrasion resistance of the other RustSeal colors. But considering your application which will likely have carpeting over it, the clear should be fine.