I am going to be installing the new dash soon and I am planning on refinishing the metal peice that goes between the dash and window.

What is the stock finish? It looks like paint but thick?

I think it's paint - I refinished mine a few years ago. A satin or flatish finish will reduce reflection on a bright day.

just use a flat black. If you have sanded off the texture, you can get SEM's spray on texture coating from Eastwood. Spray it on, lightly sand it down and then paint it with trim black.

Perfect! Thanks guys. I have this perfect new dash that I don't want to install next to that powdered out shield.

I repaired my cracked dash, and am fairly happy. Happy enough that I wouldn't pay 1100 bucks for a new one, that is. Anyway, see my blog post about things to do with the dash out.

Fortunately, my PO had already replaced the heater core and hoses, plus added a Honda blower motor, or I would have done those too. While I'm at it syndrome, I guess...