Original finish on an 88 Rockhopper Comp?

[Veloarizonas]

Newbies first post. I just overhauled an 88 Rockhopper Comp, and now I want to paint the frame. Is it powder coat or paint? Looks like paint to me, but not sure. I’ve been told not to sandblast powder coat because it’s so tough to get off that enough metal can be lost to compromise the frame. True?

The new finish will be powder coat. Thanks.