i dont like the gray part on the civic si grill. i think it needs to match the color of the car. so, here's what i did: [at the time of this post, all i have left to do is apply medium rubbing compound and remove and install new grill] do this at your own risk.

required items:
-si front grill (either take the one off your car, or order a spare one to work on) i ordered mine from hondapartsdeals.com for about $50 plus S+H
-paint supplies: i got all my stuff from paintscratch.com
you will need to order from them bulldog adhesion promoter (makes paint stick to virtually anything), flexible primer, base coat of the color of your car(paintscratch.com will walk you through the process of choosing the correct color), clear coat (all were in aerosol cans), and medium rubbing compound (can be purchased at an automotive store). get some #600 fine grit wet sandpaper also
-phillips head screw driver
-sharp blade (only necessary for removing the "Si" emblem back bracket)

process:
1. if you are not purchasing a spare/back-up grill, then follow zachys' DIY on the front bumper removal in order to get to the grill and remove it, located on the FAQ sticky, THANX ZACHYS!. (i will be a lil clearer on the removal process for those that need me to whenever i actually put the new grill on)
2. unscrew ALL screws in the back of the grill. there is a total of 10 screws.

3. remove the "H" emblem (i replaced it with a JDM) and the "Si" logo. remove the painted top portion of the grill and store it in a safe place.

4. if you want to get rid of the "Si" logo completely (i did), take a super sharp razor blade and carefully cut the back bracket off-you want to make it as flush as possible (the next step will smooth out the imperfection)

5. wetsand the area to be painted with the 600 grit paper to get a smooth surface. let dry

6. apply the bulldog adhesion promotor as directed on the aerosol can. let dry
7. apply the flexible primer to the grill. again, follow the directions on the can. i used numerous coats of this stuff, applying it in thin layers. you just wanna make sure you cant see through it.
8. GENTLY wetsand the final primer coat with 600 grit to get a smooth finish (i only sanded the areas that were to be painted), if you sand through the primer, then you must reapply the primer again. let dry

[do beagles hunt honda civic grills too?

]
9. time to apply the base coat. apply as directed on the aerosol can. i applied thin layers of paint, giving it approx 10 minutes between coats. after each coat, compare the factory painted portion of the grill to the paint job you did....when the shades are similar, then stop applying the basecoat. my aerosol can ran empty when it finally reached a close shade. you be the judge:

i think its pretty darn close.

Nov. 2, EDIT:
10. apply clear coat after the base coat has COMPLETELY dried. again, follow the directions on the can, applying thin layers with 10 minute intervals. i used approximately 3/4 of the clear coat aerosol can. the clear coat will appear dull when dry, but dont worry...thats what the medium rubbing compound is for.

[dull clear coat]
11. you must let the clear coat dry for a MINIMUM of 3 days before applying the rubbing compound.

i'll update this DIY monday, after i have applied the rubbing compound.

i'm not very impressed with the base coat. its not as metallic as i would like it to be. i'm hoping that when i apply the rubbing compound, it'll bring out the pearl more. red's prolly the hardest color to match ever....it comes in soo many shades.

EDIT: FINAL PRODUCT:

i had to put the "Si" badge back on due to a blemish in the paint-i couldnt fix the paint in that area cuz i ran all out. needless to say, i was ticked when i fucked that part up. all i gotta do is put this one on my car and i'm done.