I would also recommend paint, not uncoated epoxy. Epoxy will suffer from UV exposure. The 2 part paints are best. However, Imron and Alwgrip are nasty, chemical, smelly. You wouldnt want to breath it, plus you are limited to areas with good ventilation and heat. That makes it tough to use those kind of products.

Check out System Three, its water based, doesnt smell and you can work with it inside, I use it on parts in my basement. No smell, no fuss, drys quick. Its a very strong 2 part water based poly marine paint.

Sand with 100 grit, and apply to your pole, go with more/thin coats as opposed to fewer/heavy coats. I use a foam brush, so I just toss it when I'm done. You can spray it, but the paint doesnt go as far.

One quart will do a doz spin poles. $25 bucks a quart.

http://www.systemthree.com/p_wr_lpu.asp