I have to tell you, that is a TON of work for a "driver". I assume this is what we are talking about, a driver. There is a reason why shops only spot paint a panel and clear just that panel, it's the only thing that needs to be done!
I say spot paint and clear the whole hood and polish the rest of the car if you want a nice shine.
The whole car is coated with a clear coat already, a little "shoe shine" and it will look darn near as good (maybe as good) as a clear coat over it.
If you had to bring the color too close to the edges of the hood just blend onto the fenders. But clearing the whole thing, I see no use in that. Just another opinion.
Brian