So I'm welding an equipment rack out of mild steel... I'd like the rack to survive outside in the weather for a good long time, and to look reasonably nice while doing it. It will not take a ton of abuse, but it will sit outside in the sun and rain all year.

I'm looking for a cost effective, recommended, ideally DIY solution to keep the rack looking sharp. Prime & paint (seems to be a reasonable option)? Truck bed liner (spendy)? Powder coat at home is challenging because the rack is roughly the size of a table.

The rack is pretty big, I'd really prefer not to haul it off and get it galvanized -- and in my quantity (e.g. 1) it's extra inefficient cost-wise.

Thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

B
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The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. -John Buchan