Hi Emile. I would think a coat of good paint would do the job. It's an area that's exposed so it's not hard to watch and touch-up when needed. Epoxy paints are pretty tough, and the paint ''floats out'' any small scratches that may be present. Stainless is nice, but lots of work and expensive. A metal ring has so much wasted material ( the inside circle)
I am hoping to get my hatch chrome plated, or maybe brass. Mostly for looks but also for corrosion resistance and again, to smooth out the machining marks. The ring on the tower will be just painted.
Frank D.