I got my hands on a black soft top over the summer and preferred the way it looked to the tan top that came with the Jeep.  I realized at that time that I would eventually paint my hard top as well.   (Man, look at those tires and empty front bumper...!)

Tan Soft Top

A shot of the hard top before painting...

So I got my work area ready, then ran to the store to buy paint.  I wanted a semi-gloss black finish that would be durable and resistant to fading.  I also wanted something that would resemble the factory finish - slightly rough.  I decided to use a spray-on Dupli-Color Truck Bed Coating (TR 250 Black) paint that has all of these qualities. 

I have used it on my undercarriage with good results - it is resistant to scratching and withstands oil, grease, dirt and all manner of other elements.  I can't say for sure if it will withstand the sun and UV rays, but I am optimistic...   For $44 I got six cans of paint, had two left over for frame touch ups (I usually keep the paint on hand anyway...). 

I have 3M Prep-Sol on hand so that cost has already been absorbed, but I should add that it is a very important step to clean the top with some sort of prep solvent so that the paint will adhere properly.  A good soap and water wash with sufficient drying time before the cleaning solvent is a good idea.

My preparation of the top was simple:  I took it out from under the storage cover I had over it in the garage, wiped it clean twice with Prep-Sol, then masked off the windows with tape and paper.  I outlined all the edges with paint and then painted it with three coats of Truck Bed Liner Spray.  I used the full cans to spray the top surface so the cans would be full, then when they were half filled, set them aside to use on the vertical surfaces.  I very quickly had a high-quality finish as good as a factory fresh top.  It has the same semi-gloss and texture, and should be pretty tough.  I let it dry for 24 hours before handling the top.  While it was drying, I took my youngest and we went out to test the new 4.56 gears and Detroit lockers...

It was a pretty day - in the mid-sixties, with wispy clouds in the sky.   I took off the soft top completely, along with the doors for what is probably our last topless ride of the year.  Our test drive took us out to a little road that ruts through a small stream, a couple of sets of deep ruts, and otherwise it is pretty basic.   Naturally, the new drivetrain will receive more thorough testing and full write up but preliminary results are good!