For a good flat black finish I use wood stove paint and either bake it in the oven for about an hour at 200 degrees or let it sit in the sun for a couple of hours.

VHT Flameproof is good stuff. Just follow the directions. Make sure it's thoroughly degreased with a chemical that leaves no residue. I simply use rubbing alcohol. Do thin coats at a decent distance. It goes on wet quickly and dries quickly so that you can do multiple coats without a long wait. Just do a test spray or two on something so you get the feel for it. My (wife) oven doesn't go to 650 as recommend for final bake. I set it on 550 for an extra 30 minutes and it's done fine on assorted parts. http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vht-flameproof-coating

If she's not around it doesn't leave any bad lingering odor. Id there is a small amount just do one of those vanilla candles, spray, etc. If you do go that route or I reckon any, just dust the paint on for 3-4-5 coats and then a final light "wet" coat. Not sure if you'll succeed with anything not baked. Perhaps there's a facility in your area that could bake on the cheap. Or a shop that paints, coats engine parts, headers, etc. Good luck.