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When I built the gate/entrance into a piece of land that I had, I had our shop here at work apply a hard epoxy type coating. It might not be available in an array of colors but the light grey that I chose went well with the maroon gate. I put that gate/entrance up several years ago and it still looks shiny and fresh today.
I vote for the auto finishes too, and like Chet mentioned, car wax is a great protectant from the elements.
John Wright