Coating/finishing of ally panels

[GordonG]

OK, since I got such excellent information (thanks all) on bonding ally skins to tube frames I'l try my luck again:

Recommendations for finishing ally panels to avoid/minimise scratching and corrosion?

My first option is powder coat, though I'm concerned that this might be heavy and/or flake.

Anodising: Soft (sulfuric?) anodizing is just that, soft, and AIUI will not give much abrasion protection (and will therefore look cr@p after a bit of use).

Hard anodising would appear to give excellent abrasion resistance, but will it give me serious fatigue problems? (planning to rivet every 40mm plus Sikaflex on each tube the panel touches - probably no more than 300mm max between tubes)

Chromate conversion: this looks like it might be good but I can only find limited information and without being a metalurgist cant work out whether it is suitable.

Spray painting: Use an etch primer and spray with cellulose or 2 pack - likely to scratch and add weight, unless someone knows of a super whizzy (DIY?) paint/coating?

Leave au naturel: cheap (£0), light(0g) but allows the ally to corrode, scratch etc.

These are the options I've found so far. Can anyone shed light on the relative pros and cons of the above (inc relative cost) or suggest any alterntives? I am on a budget but I do want this car to look good and stay that way if possible.

Thanks

Gordon