Gti Grille replacement options

[Irish_Mk5]

My mk5 grill is slightly damaged which annoys me and is also a faded colour given it’s age.

Whats the best option for replacing?

I’m trying to keep things OEM but they’re hard to come by and any I’ve seen are are very faded!
Do I buy one and spray it?

Or do I buy the non oem type which I’ve heard are of different build quality with a cheap black plastic look?

[shail]

If you do buy one and spray, I can recommend Autotek black bumper and trim paint from Amazon.  I used it on mine a few years ago and it looks brilliant, goes on well and hasn't chipped or faded at all.

[Irish_Mk5]

Have seen that mentioned before! I might try it out on my damaged grille first to see how it turns out

[Lewo]

I'm looking to get a smooth grill too, if you end up buying one and it's ok (seen some saying that some of them are a poor fit) can you put a link up here cheers. 

[probedb]

I went the aftermarket route. Fit was about 99%, not 100% perfect but everything else good. Certainly makes a difference, the rest of the bits, fog light surrounds, lower grill etc I bought OEM. Can also say that a set of Depo lights really really make a big difference if your lights are clouding and won't polish out.

[DBXdarkangel]

I sprayed mine. Way better than ebay aftermarket. Although I'm gonna repaint them again with better paint ha

[iremk5gti]

I sprayed mine. Way better than ebay aftermarket. Although I'm gonna repaint them again with better paint ha

These look great, what paint did you use? Haven’t had the courage to do mine yet.

Saw Autoglym do a plastic trim paint now. Proper aerosol spray can opposed to the dressing you wipe on.

[mjmallia]

There is the plastic bumper spray you can use also:

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-repair/specialist-and-decorative-paints/halfords-plastic-bumper-paint-black-300ml-325175.html

[terrier]

I cleaned the honeycombe with white spirit then Plastikote primer, Halfords vw black pearl and 2 coats of upol lacquer Better than new

[Lewo]

I've taken a punt on a grill from underground works. We'll see.....
I might have a go at spraying the other 3 and also the original.
In a 'pimp my wheels, mid-life crisis kind of way'  I want to change the VW badge to a black badge on the front and probably the rear, if possible?
Any links or tips on how to do the badges and links to where to get them please?
Cheers

[Jb55]

I changed all my grills with eBay/China ones and fitment is decent and makes the front end look so much better, I did look into paining them but was worried about stone chips and it being a nightmare to repaint if ever needed.