That may have happened in your case, but if you look at my motor, you'll see that almost everything is painted. Intake manifold and block are white, the water pipe, throttle body, accessory brackets, and thermostat housing are painted black. I used the Plastikote 500°F hi temp paint on them, and the finish stayed. I guess it depends on the paint. I didn't get near my engine with steel wool, though. I used shop rags.

I don't get dirty when I work on my own cars. I get dirty working on everyone else's.