Only Chazz Palminteri could find a way to get paid for hanging out with strippers.

For his latest project, “Women vs. Men,” the smoky-voiced actor visited “every strip club in L.A.,” but insists the forays were strictly business.

“I had to do research,” he told The Post. “I wanted to use real strippers, real lap dancers. The real deal.”

Palminteri will be making his directorial debut in the Showtime movie, airing tonight at 8, which focuses on two husbands who get booted out of their homes after going to a strip joint.

“I’ve always been intrigued by how different women and men are,” said the Bronx native.

After writing the script, Palminteri hired a star-studded cast, including Paul Reiser, Joe Mantegna and Christine Lahti.

“They say once you [direct], you either never want to do it again,” he said, “or you can’t wait to do it again. I can’t wait.”

The charming Palminteri is best known for playing the crime boss Sonny in the Robert De Niro-directed movie “A Bronx Tale.” Nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of a gangster in Woody Allen’s “Bullets Over Broadway,” the actor has starred in more than 30 movies.

The 50-year-old Palminteri can also be seen in two upcoming movies, “One Eyed King,” with Billy Baldwin, and “Poolhall Junkies,” with Christopher Walken.

Q: Is “Women vs. Men” like “Sex and the City” for the married set?

A: That’s a good observation. It tells how long-term married couples take each other for granted. You have to water the garden, because if you don’t, it dies. To a woman, it’s a big deal if her husband goes to a strip club. Sex is a whole different thing to women than it is to men.

Q: What made you decide to do the Vanilla Coke commercials?

A: They made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I said, “Wow, are they kidding me?” The script was funny, and I thought it would be insane to refuse for two days’ work.

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I would say I’m kind of reserved – and cool.

Q: What colors are in your wardrobe?

A: Black, navy blue, charcoal gray and some blues – light blue shirts, but always with a navy jacket. I like Armani jeans, and I also like the Gap.

Q: Favorite designers?

A: Armani. I wear that a lot. And Ralph Lauren.

Q: Do you play any sports?

A: I like to box, and I enjoy working out. I play a little golf, not too much. I can’t play that well, but boy, do I look good. I get on those greens, and you think I’m great. It’s a fashion thing, and you talk and schmooze.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: I love gadgets. The best can opener, the best television, the best DVD player, indoor/outdoor thermometers. An electric brush that massages your scalp. Sharper Image – I go in there, and forget it.

Q: Last splurge?

A: Besides my house? My car – a 750 BMW.

Q: Do you have a stylist?

A: My wife is great. She’s got exquisite taste, and she knows what looks nice. I may have an idea of what to wear, and then she’ll touch it up.

Q: What do you wear when relaxing?

A: Sweats. I’m always in sweats because I write all day.

Q: What do you love to see women wear?

A: I like women that dress sexy. I’m one of those guys that if she looks good, fine. If [other] men look, fine. That doesn’t matter. Some guys have that old style, saying what women can and can’t wear. If she looks good, she should wear it.

Q: What gives you substance?

A: I’m very spiritual. That grounds me. My wife and children ground me.

Q: What would you never wear?

A: A very, very loud shirt. I couldn’t do that.

Q: Whose style do you most admire?

A: I admire my own style. I like me. I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I admire my friend Robert De Niro for his incredible tenacity and work ethic. He’s taught me a lot about making movies.