Any truth to the practice of BLACK painted parts dissipating heat better?

I don't think black paint "per se" necessarily helps. I know rad shops used to hose down radiators with a huge think film of cheap black paint. Makes you wonder if it doesn't form an insulating layer and INHIBIT radiation

Radiant barriers tend to be reflective. But you're right, a thick paint could act as a convective insulator and result in a net loss of cooling ability.