[Qbot2640]

I'll echo two points -

(1) powder coating may be closer to your reach than you believe. When faced with a very large shooter assembly, I was going to opt for automotive spraying this year rather than the powder coating I had planned to develop. The paint was going to be easily three to four times the cost of the powder, and the application equipment for the paint was about equal. We have a sponsor that makes large furnaces, and as such has in house powder coating. Our hot pink (color not even available with paint) and black parts will be ready today or tomorrow.

(2) If you do go with paint, get yourself several cans of the self etching primer recommended above. Also keep in mind that this primer is dark gray, so you may have to follow it up with white or aluminum color if your final color is exceptionally light or a transparent paint color.