Let's take a quick run thru the Gasholes and see about finishes...
Turk left his first one bare, and his second one is really bare now.
Pat Buckley has polished his to tanker-truck specs
Jamo is bare (in more ways than one) with ghost stripes.
Toy Collector is bare.
Dano Semko is bare. (all the time, in the privacy of his home).
Allan (Ironman) has both cars bare.
Mine is bare, but temporarily..it will be painted down the road.
U-2 Driver is painted.
Both Tom and David Kirkham have bares.
The sanded finish does look cool, but it is far from maintenance-free. It does show fingerprints and tends to retain residue from moisture droplets. It does age nicely, though, if a vintage race look is desired.
Interestingly, most CSX4K alum cars that I see are painted.
Evan (surREAL1) has his painted, while Brett Bolte has his bare.