Painting paper prior to or after printing

So, the latest model I downloaded (Thought it was the Spitzer Space Telescope - but perhaps I was remembering a different one) asks that the back of a large part be painted black prior to printing or assembly. So, I'm guessing paint rather than print because ink jetting a full page black is rediculous but the designer wasn't suggesting spray paint, right? Airbrush maybe with lots of light coats and plenty of drying time?



I've seen another thread talking about flat coating parts sheets to preserve the surface. Again, is there a feel-by-doing technique to doing this? Or should I just internet up a two-tone card stock source where one side is already black. Or find black paper (something not construction paper I'm sure) and trim/glue it to the part.