a metal card or a hybrid metal - plastic includes an acrylic resin protective clear - coat layer and / or a “ hard ” nano - particle top - coat layer overlying any exposed metal surface in order to insulate the metal and reduce the likelihood of an electrostatic discharge or a short circuit condition . in a particular embodiment the “ hard ” nano - particle top - coat layer overlies the clear coat layer . the dual stage protective layers which include a clear - coat layer and a top - coat ensure that the problem associated with an esd and / or a short circuit condition is minimized . in addition , the dual stage protection imparted to a card by forming a clear - coat layer and a top - coat layer ensures that any card surface treatment or card decoration is protected over time from excessive wear or scratching due to use in conjunction with a pos device and / or handling .