I had mine painted on. We masked off all around them so we could sand them down. The guy whos painting them should know enough to take it easy and spray light so that you don't get any runs behind the molding so that it would drip down. I took my moldings off the second time though... they were a bitch, but got them all back on no prob except one small piece in front of driver side door on the 5th gens. Bought a new piece at the dealer, cost me 18.00 I think. So, I say do it up... that's a good deal. :driving: