Disclosed is an ink composition for clear layer formation having excellent adhesion properties on substrates, recording layers, and clear layers, as well as excellent overcoat characteristics and refinishing properties. Further disclosed are a coating method for the ink composition, and a printed article formed using the ink composition. The ink composition for clear layer formation is used for forming at least one clear layer on a substrate, or on a printed article on which a printed coating film is formed on a substrate as a recording layer. The ink composition for clear layer formation is characterised in that: the surface free energy of the substrate is 30-45 (mJ/m2); the surface free energy of the recording layer is 40-50 (mJ/m2); the contact angle of the ink composition to the substrate is 30-65 degrees, the contact angle of the ink composition to the recording layer is 40-55 degrees, and the contact angle of the ink composition to the clear layer is 45-60 degrees.