In my humble opinion, rubber is best. Use a good one like Drakes and it will last a LONG time. But they do require cleaning and conditioning to keep looking good. Of course paint does also. Actually we have our cars so low now that few people step on 'em. Except kids at events. If you have rubber, no harm no foul. If you have paint, who knows the outcome. I kind of like not having to yell at kids, so rubber for me. Of course I like handles and hinges also. Heck, I had my 53 F100 boards coated with bed liner so I can step on 'em if I want. Joe