Painting engine parts/plastic

has anyone painted any parts of their engine such as the vortec cover, air intake, plastic shroud, etc. or does anyone know of anything u can paint on it to give it a really glossy look? sort of like that stuff u spray on your tires to give it a wet look.

ive painted my vortec cover, just havent put it back on yet...auto parts stores sell clear coat in a can...looks pretty good...