I will offer the suggestion that the above statement is contradictory. Great prep results in a long lasting finish that resists the elements.

What I think that many folks miss is that tubing has two sides, an inside and an outside, and we have a history of neglecting the inside. A lot of tubing corrosion literally surfaces after starting from the inside of the tube. You can find AD's that require regular testing of engine mount tubing with a punch followed by filling and draining the tubing with preservative oil. Those engine mounts are failing because the manufacturer welded up the assembly, painted the outside, and left the inside unprotected. It is worth your time to drill holes before welding up the joints so that all of the insides of the tubing are connected. Then you can flush some preserative oil through the inside after painting the outside. Protection of the inside avoids problems appearing on the outside later.

Best of luck,

Wes