You can definitely paint titanium, but most folks don't do it. I won't do it to the Ritchey because the logos are etched/engraved on and it looks kinda cool.

Ti is great. I've had one ti road bike and my current hardtail mtn bike is ti as well. It's the best of both worlds -- lightweight like aluminum but solid-feeling like steel. No frame material would be truly damping on a cross course (which in CA is typically hard and bumpy), but on the road you'll feel super-comfortable on ti. My ti road bike is the most stable descender I've ever ridden -- it's rock solid. Yet it feels quick and light too.

If you can afford it, ti is a great frame material. BTW, ti frames are going up in price apparently (I only overheard the conversation at the shop).