This depends on what you mean by clear vinyl. There are "playfield protector" style harder plastic covers that cover the entire playfield, which some people swear by but I haven't used. I have used vinyl cling in high wear areas, as well as "low tack" mylar (which peels off easily). Both do the job of protecting the surface from scratches but will not stop a dimple (which always happens when a steel ball smashes clear coat through vinyl or mylar).