Will this cap work with my tailgate as-is, or do I need to prep anything first?

It mounts at factory points, so no drilling or cutting required. Do a test-fit before you commit to fasteners — makes sure everything aligns cleanly.

What hardware do I need to secure this?

The cap assembly is included. You'll need to provide your own fasteners — exact type depends on your mounting preference and tailgate condition, so verify fitment first.

Can I paint this, or does it come ready to install?

Hard panel construction ships unpainted. You can paint it to match your truck or leave it as-is — just clean the surface and test-fit before any adhesive or fasteners go down.