Hay GK just PM either Nils or Fhantastic and ask them about the Sata cable.
I have never cut one up, but I would take a guess that is is only a group of single wire's, could be totaly wrong, wouldn't be the first time.

As for the Dot's.
When you go to re-paint the temp sensor with the top coat (colour you want to see).
The paint will act the same way and be pushed to the sides, leaving a hole without paint over it.
You can paint it like 5 times and the same thing will keep happening.
The only thing that will change is, around the outside of the "Dot" will form a thick ridge of paint, that should of been over the hole, it will end up looking butt ugly.