This is an interesting topic...I painted my Ranch Kettle only because of years of neglect near the ocean had left it rusted and pockmarked in MANY places...I used high heat primer (2000 degrees) and 2000 degree paint. Yet, it is already chipping off on the very bottom. Am I glad I did it? Yes, only in the fact it will give me more years of use, and hopefully prevent further rusting, especially on the lid. If I had to do it over, I would paint it matte black. On the other hand, the worst restore I've had to do was with a 1978 MBH green that was painted green...I silently curse the owner every time I find another small paint fleck that I missed. I look at paint as a last resort to ensure that your kettle can be used for years to come.