as a follow up to Bobs note, tape the brush to a piece of wood for easier painting of the central area,you will be glad you did, does not have to be a long piece,but an extra foot or so will help.

IMHO... spray paint is by far the easiest way of doing it, but you have to do more prep work before you can spray it,covering all exposed areas with something to prevent the overspray from going where you do not want it.
If you decide to spray paint it, remember two or three light coats are better then one heavy one,and if you do it outside.... stay on the upwind side ;)
I did a wooden tube for my 10" this way and two cans were easily enough.
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Rick M
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AllAstronomyAllTheTime