One of your better options for painting/primer cinder block walls in a basement would be something like DRYLOCK. It is a water proofer that will seal back moisture and also has a grit in it to fill the pores in block walls(block filler). You can put a paint on top if desired for a more finished...
I would put DTM {direct-to-metal} on it. It is latex based so easier clean-up. Excellent adhesion to metal. Comes in gloss,semi-gloss. If you have a Sherwin-Williams,Duron, or MAB paint store close by,stop in to ask/price.