I would see if you can find some local sand blasters (or media blasters). You could get the frame stripped bare pretty cheap and then use epoxy primer as said above. From there if I were exploring rattle cans, I'd be looking at satin colors and probably black. With a satin finish you don't have to worry so much about how even you're laying down the finish. Otherwise if the frame is worthy I'd want to have it powder coated for best results.