Why are front valances painted black?

[Jack]

I've noticed quite a few Maestros (metal bumpered ones) with the front valance below the bumper painted with what appears to be blackboard paint! (matt black).

They're always painted to the seam where they join the wing. Was this some sort of standard thing by Rover? It seems a bit uncanny that so many would be painted in this way by owners, all happening to decide that matt black would be the best colour! I know the front valances can rust but why always paint them matt black?

[MGTurbo#261]

Its probably a bodge job and covered in stone guard or underseal on the theory it wont chip and rust as easily. You often see Metros done the same. Best way to protect them is strip to bare metal and prime with a good primer then stone guard and then finish in body colour, but it wont look like the original painted finish as you will see the texture of the stone guard (The sills on the cars were done this way)