Is it possible to paint a CF hood and if so what all needs to be done... will it crack or mess the paint up over time?

Yep can be painted as it is on the 2004 Honda (Acura?) NSX Type R, which has a CF hood painted white. A different type of paint is required as it is thinner than normal paint, allowing the carbon fibre "weave" to still show through which IMO looks pretty cool on the NSX atleast.

A bodywork specialist would undoubtly know what i'm going on about!

I had mine painted. IIRC they just really need to prep it well. I have a VIS hood and can see a few surface imperfections on it, but overall it looks good. I didn't want the boy ricer look, and insurance was paying for it, so I went for it. Wouldn't be surprised if it needs to be redone in a few years.

Just take it to a good shop. No Maaco stuff. They'll take care of it for you without a hitch.

why paint a cf hood?

Use clear coat mixed with the color you want it to be. The hood will be painted but the weave of the CF will still show through and that would look really nice.

On the other hand, on certain cars, unpainted CF looks really good. What color is the car?

why paint a cf hood?

Because bare carbon is an acquired taste. I wouldn't mind it on a weekend car, but on my DD I thought it would be rice.

i believe Porsche GT2's or GT3's also have painted carbon fiber hoods, looks pretty saucy in silver with the weaves showing through