To powder coat, or not to powder coat?

I’m going to pull the trigger on the aluminum CBI skid plate package. I can’t decide weather to have them powder coated or not. I’m was thinking the bare aluminum would look good. I would love some opinions form out there TW. Thanks.

 

Having had both, I feel the bare aluminum looks good but only when new. The bare aluminum ends up looking kind of worn and not so nice after a while. The powdercoat looked good until it gets gouged a bit. Perhaps rattle can would be the best choice, but ultimately it's up to the owner to decide.
Powdercoat


Bare.

One more thought. The skids are under the truck. The condition on the painting really doesn't play into the performance of the skids. I'll admit that I occasionally do spot paint mine so the aluminum gouges aren't so noticeable. But really who's really going to climb under your truck and say "man these skids look pristine."

 

If you have a source to get them clear anodized, I think that is a good look. Keeps them from having the ‘worn’ look so fast, and they’re well protected.

 

The front skid is the only one partially visible in normal settings. An application of the color of your choice from www.monstaliner.com will make it pretty nice.

The rest of the package will only be seen by converter thieves and your dealer techs doing warranty work. Not sure they are worth impressing.

 

I have the aluminum CBI skids. It looked great when brand new, but it will oxidize pretty quick. But to be honest the oxidization does not look bad, I kind of like it. If you are trying to keep the "pristine" truck look then definitly coat the aluminum. But if you have other ware and tear on your truck the oxidized aluminum looks way better than rusted steel in my opinion.