wash with soap and water.
lightly sand with 300 grit
couple of coats of primer - Dupli-Color Filler Primer High Build Formula
couple of light coats of paint - Dupli-Color Acrylic Enamel Premium Automotive Formulation (high gloss)
heavy coat of the same paint, maybe two.
It dries to the touch within a couple of hours, but needs 7 days or so to fully cure.
then a couple of light coats of LustreKote Flat Clear
I have used my starter on it to start the engine. Holding up OK, at least for now.