Here’s what mine looked like back in 2009 right after I sprayed it with John Deere Blitz Black enamel. It can be applied as flat or satin finish by adjusting the reducer ratio:
And here’s what it looks like today. In 4 years there really hasn’t been any change in the appearance of the finish. To the best of my knowledge there is one mark on the hood about 2” long and a small dent in the back of the cab. This stuff is very tough and doesn’t scratch easily. Almost nothing sticks to it either. Whether washed off with soap and a mitt or just hosed down, it pretty much looks the same after being dried off. My truck does live indoors most of the time, so constant exposure would probably change the long term results.
JD Blitz Black is made by Valspar, and my bumper, guards, and grille are all painted with Rustoleum gloss white. Synthetic enamels are easy to shoot and inexpensive. Memory tells me the entire paint job cost right around $200. I was recently out of work and needed it to be cheap on unemployment wages.
If you elect to use hardener in any type or brand of paint, be sure to invest in full breathing gear with a full face mask and a bunny suit. Carcinogenic agents are in the hardener, which can be absorbed through the skin and even the eyes. I know many hobbyists use hardened paints with just a respirator or even a dust mask, but lungs don’t grow back.