Air Gap intake back form media blast.. clear.. paint or run as-is?

Had the Edelbrock "endura shine" coating removed as previous owner ruined it. It's bare now and seems like it would suck up any oil like a sponge without a coating of some sort. What say ye.. paint it aluminum color, clear satin or run it as-is?

For durability, clear powder coat. Next would be a clear Ceramacoat. Keep the as cast look as much as possible.