A method is provided for fabricating a composite panel with a surface finish. The method includes securing a polymer film within a first portion of a mold and securing a composite panel within a second portion of the mold. The method also includes holding the first portion of the mold against the second portion of the mold to form a mold cavity between composite panel and the polymer film. The method further includes heating the mold to an elevated temperature, injecting a polymer resin into the mold cavity, and curing the polymer resin to form an integrated structure having a polymer resin layer between the composite panel and the polymer film.