A process for applying an overlayer to a cured thermoset molding composition is provided that includes exposing the cured thermoset molding composition to a plasma under conditions that modify the surface energy of a surface of the article without visually modifying the surface. The surface of the article is then overcoated with an overlayer having superior adhesion to a like article absent the intermediate plasma treatment. A component is also provided that is cured thermoset resin article having a shape and a surface. An overlayer is applied to the surface while the surface is still plasma activated. The overlayer is adhesion is unchanged by 4 weeks in a 100% humidity chamber at 30° C. over at least 95 area % of an interface between the overlayer and the surface.