I forgot the name of the part mentioned in the Title of this thread. Never the less, see the pic below for an example.

Question: why is the texture grainy? And, why are sparkles mixed in with the color?

I want to paint these (there are 2 per dash), but want to know more before going about it. Thanks

 

Dash floodlight housings.
They seem to have the same coating that many other little parts get, like clips, brackets, and smaller screws. I thought it is a plating called black oxide or manganese phosphate.
Someone will know for sure.
If you want to be very factory correct, I think Eastwood sells a paint much like that.
Keep in mind that once these are installed and the lenses installed, noone would ever be able to see them.
I found that Krylon high-heat spray paint has the same low sheen and color, just not the sparkles.

 

Mine are the same. Zinc Phosphate or similar finish as above originally. My gas pedal rod looks the same (that dull grayish color with sparklies). I was thinking of sending them off eventually to brakeboosters.com to have replated (same place I had my steering box done).

 

thanks guys