Flaking Paint on Valve Cover

The paint is flaking on the valve cover on my 94 M-50 engine. Is this a known problem with the engine or do I have an isolated case? I'm in the middle of replacing the head gasket and I plan on taking the valve cover to my favorite machine shop for cleaning and repainting. I would like to match the original color as close as possible. Can anyone offer any advice that has already gone down this path (color, steps to make sure new paint does not flake, etc.)?

i think this happens no matter what, the flaking that is. so i am pretty sure you dont have an isolated case. as for color, mostly black ;)

You mean like this?

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/321155flaked.jpg

That's a picture of mine, and as you can see, I haven't gotten around to doing anything about it yet. Kinda low on the list of priorities, but once I do, I'll post my experience with it. Meanwhile, any advice or thoughts would be helpful.

Exactly like that. It's nice to know that I don't have the only one. I was beginning to think that the valve cover was repainted by a previous owner. I'll post again if I run into anything unusual.