Just that $3 a can duplicolor stuff from the local auto parts store. It was metallic garnet I think. I just sanded the plate real lightly to take any obvious gunk off, wiped it down with acetone a couple of times, shot primer, color, and clearcoat just like the can says. I put too many coats of color on and didn't let it cure long enough (my first time messing with auto paint...doh), thus the brass washers under all the screws to hide the little "rings" where I tried to mount the screws too early.I have no idea how long it will stick on the aluminum plate, but I like the tubes in it at this point and see no need to tube roll yet. So I'm not flexing the top plate at all plugging and unplugging stuff. I try to be vary careful and not flex it when I've swapped IC's and such. Just leave it alone if it's working fine I say.