Hey Jwheeler, You can definately do it both ways, but unless you want to do it twice get it powdercoated! I used to own a body shop and I can tell you from experience that painting the aluminum will NOT stand up to the abusive stuff that is going to be fying around your track. Painting aluminum car panels is different as they dont encounter what those rails will. I am not saying that anyones opinion is wrong, I am only giving you my experience. I am from the old school of "if your going to do something, do i once and right" . Powder coating those rails is definately going to cost more that paint, but if your going to go to the trouble of taking them all apart, do yourself a favor and spend the money!