I have just had my crossbeams re anodised. The were black and I have gone natural silver. $45 for both. They must be free of all fittings and dirt, grease etc.
Not perfect but once all of the fittings were back on most dings were hidden. Improved the look of the boat no end.
I am going for a stick on tread for the front of the mast lower down and I will find sailing stickers for some marks higher up.
If the marks on the mast are in one loacallity I would go for stick ons and flag paint.