I too would like to hear some replies to your question, Smokey.
I always liked satin black pipes, and if I can find a good, tuff coating that won't scrape off easily, I may do my whole system.
I know there's lots of types of high-temp paint out there, and I guess you can powder-coat high-temp like you said.
But I'd also be interested in some sort of black ceramic coating, anyone know of where to get that done?
Also there's black chrome, really durable but pricey, as long as you didn't mind the high-gloss...
Is there already a thread on this subject buried around here somewhere, perhaps?