stock grille & or vinyl more durable than painted ?
 

Ever since I bought my white panel, I've wanted to mod the grille to emulate prior GM grilles with "silver/black" combinations. I'd like to black out the satin finish on the surround, to match the black lower bumper piece and fog light blanks, and leave the center bar as-is with the gold bowtie. The two remaining bars would be made a dark(er) grey. This combo would emulate my '04 2500HD truck's look, with a nod to the VW / Audi look thrown in. My question is : would vinyl overlay be as chip resistant as the stock satin finish, or will rattle-can paint bear up? There seems to be a problem with chipping/sandblasting on painted grilles. And I am a notoriously bad painter. Also, if the new look is not to my liking, can the vinyl, where overlaid, be successfully peeled off? Or just get a spare grille and experiment? I have had a pro paint my Chevelle's glass cowl hood before...should I let him do it? Any comments, answers, or opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Depends who you ask - I have a painted front bow tie that's been done correctly and it gets hammered. The rear is painted w/vinyl overlay to let the paint show thru - looks perfect. Vinyl isnt forever, I use both.