Help..trying to restore or re-paint an aluminum jackplate

I have a Detwiler 10" Hydro jackplate and the anodization (black) has worn off and it appears to be just plain aluminum. It looks awful and doesnt shine up very well no matter what product I use on it and I was wanting to paint it or coat it with something in a gloss finish. I was told to sand down the aluminum to bare metal making sure to get all the oil, grease and any left over anodization off the aluminum. Then I was told to spray on a Self-Etching Primer, which is designed to bond to bare metal including aluminum by means of chemical and mechanical due to the rough sanding. At that point I should be able to lightly sand the primer and re-paint with any automotive type paint, polyurethane, acrylic or laquer. Can someone confirm this will work or if there are more steps I need to take. Some sources say there are all kinds of chemicals I need to apply and do some metal conversion etc...but ive seen custom painted plates before and I guarantee you they didnt go through all that BS. Any help would be greatly appreciated.