A lot of people paint their shackles red or black or have them powder coated. I have a different idea that I'm going to try.... I'm going to coat them with tool dip. I've used this stuff in the past and it tends to hold up really well. When it gets damaged you just give it another dip.

They also sell a kit where you can make your own color. I'm going with Blue... I kind of like the white/blue combo and red is very common (and I like being a bit different as well).

Will update with pics and a review.