Even the best epoxy primers do not have the UV stabilizers in them for even short term use. If you want ease and maintenance friendly, put a normal gloss paint on. If it is flat and you have to buff something out, it will end up glossy....
There are a number of less expensive single stage paints on the market. Purchase a gallon of paint and enough harder to paint the item at a time. You will have the actual paint for the whole project, but your not spending the money on all the hardener's and reducers at one shot. My first choice for single stage is PPG Concept. I spray DBC base in my shop and although 2 stage is nice, it can get a little costly.
My next suggestion would be to look at some of the industrial products like PPG Durathane. It can be had for about $60 a gallon and the quality is decent for a vehicle, but it won't lay down as smooth as the automotive stuff does!
