Hey guys, thought I'd chime in here. This can idea is PURE GENIUS!
Also, if you want to paint it, and are worried about the paint holding, there is a paint brand called PLASTI-COAT. You can find it in most paint stores (Home or auto). I used it on softball helmets. YOU KNOW what a beating they can take. We used the plasti-coat primer then normal paint. It holds up great. Those helmets went 3 years before they needed touch ups. Shoot me a PM if you want more info.
Hope I could help...