For absolutely the best coating to protect from rust is a 2K epoxy. There's lots to choose from. Other 1K products will tend to allow the rust to creep under the coating after a bruise to the coating... like a stone chip.
Anytime you can use a two part system is always better than a single part product. You actually "finish the manufacturing process" when using a 2 part or 2K product.
Then you can top coat it with a urethane to give color and added abrasion resistance.
