I think you should leave it the silver color or have it powder coated silver. I think if you go black with it wont pop out as much as if it was silver.

 

I like it Mike......

 

I agree. Looks better silver. Powder coating it silver isn't a bad idea either, if you don't want the corrosion.

 

Silver powder-coat. Do the lower opening the same and color match the bumper insert.

Sharp looking car ! !

 

Looks sharp in silver!!!

 

One more vote for the 'natural' look.
Nice job!

 

Like Cosmic says, do a bottom grill in the same material. That would look cool.
I would paint it if I knew it wouldn't chip off. Powder-coating should resist chipping more than a spray can, but how much better? The front of the car takes some pretty serious abuse from road bits.

 

Looks great

 

In my experience, powder coat doesn't usually chip off, unless there are problems with the metal underneath. It does however, get scraped and scratched with heavy use/abuse.

For example: A sharp-edged rock hitting it at 60 mph, would most likely scratch it (maybe even down to the bare metal), but the area around it won't chip off.

 

The grill mesh I have is aluminum...so rust shouldnt be an issue....I do think it looks a little unfinished though..so argent silver pain is going on soon, along with the lower grill....then maybe a "HHR of the month" try!