In my experience, powder coat is more durable than acrylic lacquer or acrylic enamel, but not as durable as a good catalyzed automotive polyurethane. If you want an inexpensive finish that lasts and you can live with less detail and depth (gloss) go with powdercoating. If you don't mind spending more (at least double the cost of powdercoating) go to a "wet" painter that uses automotive PU paints and you'll get a finish that looks better and lasts even longer.