When it came time to replace my LP tank with the newer style, I was amazed and alarmed by how beat up the old one was. Years of back-road driving had really taken its toll in the form of rock damage and rust where the paint had been chipped off. I masked off the new tank so the side that faces out is still white but shot the rest of it and the bottom of the rock guard with that rubberized spray-on truck bed liner. It's been about four years now and it still looks great.
Mike M

Sent from my iPad

> On Nov 3, 2014, at 16:07, eric ley <eric_ley@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Yes if it is not white you may have propane fill stations questioning you about it and might refuse to fill.
> 
>> Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2014 14:56:01 -0500
>> From: ianvincentdow@GMAIL.COM
>> Subject: LPG tank ... white paint or varnished steel?
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> 
>> I got the tank off my van for the first time. I definitely have to replace
>> the valve.
>> I snaded and brushed all the rust off, and it looks awesome. My mechanic
>> emphatically suggested that I paint it white with rustoleum (brush)
>> Same for the protectors plate.
>> But I hate to do it. It looks really cool.
>> 
>> Is there any real bad reason for not leaving it in steel, with several
>> coats of varnish or other finish?
>> 
>> Steam punk, or good sam club?