best way to paint bare metal?

[TexasExcursion]

I just picked up a custom roof rack from a fabricator in Arizona. Great rack, fits the X perfectly, but I need to know the best way to finish it off--it's bare metal right now. I don't want to get it powdercoated because of the cost even though this would probably be the best method. Prime and paint? Spray paint? Let me know what you think.

 

[Buffs F-350]

Have it rhino lined it will protect it beter than paint and it wont scrach

 

[JLDickmon]

hmm.. from a durability standpoint, I'd tend to agree..

for asthetics, prime and paint to match... use a spray gun, not rattle cans.

 

[Scooter]

Spend the money and coat it. It isn't that much more expensive.

 

[fordtrucker4life!]

If you have the ability of paint guns, prime with an etching primer or urathane sealer (sherwin williams prime shield). Then paint with polyurathane paint (dupont cintari 5000) and it will be good.