Will straps work for 99 wrangler gas tank?

Hey, So my skid plate completely rusted out holding my gas tank. My gas tank is actually falling out(not good). I dont have the money to shell out for a new skid plate but somebody said there are straps you can buy instead. Is that ok? I dont do any off-roading so i really wouldnt need a skid plate for that sense. Any suggestions or point me in the right direction? Also, my tank is a little scuffed up from the rusted skid plate and looks like crap. Can i paint it?