Drop spindle question

File under "at the risk of sounding stupid..."

I have a set of 2" drop spindles that I almost forgot I had. They are getting a bit rusty. After a quick media blast they will be mint. Should I mask off the bearing surface or whould that be ok to lightly paint? I really dont think it would be an issue.

 

I have spindles powder painted for some of my customers and I always mask off the spindle from the seal surface out. The machined tolerances are for a reason.