Powder coating is easy and very cost effective. Yes, the clear coat helps protect more than anything from things like slight rock chips.
It can be done in your garage for that matter. All you need is a small powder coat machine (basically you hook a power line up to a part to give it a charge and the powder clings to it) and bake it in an ELECTRIC oven. Places like Harbor Freight sell them cheap. You don't want an open flame but the electric element is ok. the oven should not even get close to melting solder. There is some "SMELL" involved so don't do it in your house or in your wifes new $1300 self cleaning oven.

Unless of course you want to see how comfy the dog house is?
Also, be careful building up too thick of a layer of powder coat if your mating two parts. you also need to protect threads by inserting a bolt / nut or a plug.
Cheers,
J