I will be spraypainting my grill soon with black and then a couple layers of duplicolor clearcoat. I was wondering if washing my car would be a problem. Also wondering if people knew the heat the clearcoat spraypaint can handle, since I know the car gets pretty hot when in direct sun for a while in the summer. Thanks, and sorry to mods if this is the wrong forum, didnt know which one to write in

 

I think you should be fine, there are plenty of people who have spray painted their grilles, and if you have a couple of coats of clear you will be especially protected. I have red paint with clear coat on my rear turn signals and they held up over 4 months of summer and up to three washes a week.

 

You could just get some high heat engine paint or or brake caliper paint if you are really worried about the temp.

 

I wouldn't worry about the heat. Your original paint is clearcoated, and not with high temp stuff, either. As a matter of fact, it is actually baked on. And don't worry about the washing having negative effects on the paint. Clear coat can handle any car soap you'll be washing it with. I would stay away from harsh things like lacquer thinner, turpentine, etc.
As with any paint, it will oxidize with time. To keep this to a minimum, I would treat it just like any other part of your car's paint (clean, polish, and protect). Just do it whenever you do the rest of your car to make it easier.
The only heat related problem I can foresee is if you use a carnauba based wax. And this is only because carnauba has a relatively low melting point, and therefore doesn't last very long on black. On my black parts (mirror housings, grill, etc.) I use a sealant like Meg's NXT or #20. They tend to last about 2 months in Louisiana summers (direct sun with very hot, humid conditions).

Dave

 

thanks for all the tips. man am i gonna have a blast painting and wetsanding and waxing my ugly chrome grill.