Definitely satin black, not flat, not gloss.� I've had very good luck with Ace Hardware brand satin black.� Be sure to do a thorough scrubbing wash before and careful masking of your VW emblem.� Also works great on the rear air intake grills above the engine; and on the windshield wiper arms and rear view mirrors if you've got the old style simple black ones like me which you probably do on an 84 unless you've upgraded.� You'll be amazed how nice things look with these pieces painted.� And I think painting over that silver paint outline on the upper front grill is the way to go (if you wash your vehicle with any regularity it's most likely partially scrubbed away anyway).

Rich
San Diego

--- On Wed, 5/9/12, fonman4277@comcast.net <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET> wrote:

From: fonman4277@comcast.net <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Front Grill Spray Paint Recommendations
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 6:57 AM

I would use a satin black, looks more like stock.� � Jeff 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

----- Reply message -----
From: "Skip" <skiplaubach@COMCAST.NET>
Date: Wed, May 9, 2012 09:51
Subject: Front Grill Spray Paint Recommendations
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>

'84 Westy

I have a new spray can of Rust-Oleum "Universal Advanced Formula" All-Surface Paint (wood, metal, plastic, masonry), Flat Black.

No, Yes?� What have others had success/most match original plastic grill(s) in terms of brand, type, flat/satin, etc?

Thanks,

Skip