Should I paint the slats and slat holder?

[Metriccar]

I just got a plasma table in, and noticed the slats slatholder frame that sits in the water tray are not painted. it's raw steel. I'm taling about the slats that serve as a work surface to hold the material being cut. Should I paint any of this stuff? I'm sure it will rust quickly being in the water tray.

[pertneer]

I wouldn't worry about the slats, they will get cut and just be bare metal again anyway. The slat holder may cause an issue when you go to replace the slats if there is not enough slop in each groove. I say just leave them and get to doing what you want the cutting.

[plain ol Bill]

Are you putting any additives into your water to prevent rusting?