I saw a 36 Outlaw that it was done on, looked horrible IMHO.

I know which one you're talking about and yes it
looks horrible

Is that just in general it won't look good, or just how that specific one looks?

It started out purple the gradually faded to gray.

IMO, these things need to be shiny and smooth not dull
with texture....at least the outer regions of it.

If anything I would do the center parts where the ass-scraping tape would go.
Hawkeye did one in chrome.