Not relavant to your question nino but Here is some interesting information on nickel plating nino,if you decide to go that way according to the article  the desired finish can be obtained with using 2-3 finishes overlapping.i doubt a painted finish will hold up with the constant ball wear.

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=j6yitnDWd7IC&pg=PA22&lpg=PA22&dq=what+plating+is+used+for+trophys&source=bl&ots=mebw0RwuB_&sig=UrSorPjnrtYORtE7UXe_qmN0xJI&hl=en&ei=3yCnTp3GBOOwiQe5gpSjDg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false