I think powder coating is OK, talk to your powder coater and see if they're comfortable with the job.
If it's not well attached it'll chip easily while assembling and most likely when disassembling.
If it's to thick may cause problems assembling,
Same goes for paint in both cases.
To ease assembly cut strips from a plastic antifreeze or oil jug and use them to pad your pry bars and between rim and rings. they're tough and slippery, helps things get together without chipping.
Also good for padding tire iron when fitting tubeless tires on nicely painted or powder coated rims.
