Ed,
If you want the best look you can get, paint it.  Include a plasticizer 
(flex agent) in your paint mixture.  This will help with rock chips.  
Also allow the paint to cure for at least one month before reinstalling it 
onto the car. This will prevent unnecessary chipping from sand and 
rocks.  Paint doesn't completely cure for at least 30 days, unless a 
powdercoating or other electrical treatment process is used.

Good luck,
Erik Peterson
Vehicle Research Institute

On Wed, 23 Apr 1997, Morrell, Edward wrote:

> Has anyone had experience painting or treating the flexible air dam on
> the bottom front of a late model Vanagon?  Mine is a 90 Carat and the
> black is faded and ugly.  Thanks in advance,
> 
> Ed
> 90 Carat 113k
>