Does this bolt straight to my frame, or do I need to drill holes?

It mounts at factory points — no drilling needed. You'll use existing frame attachment locations for a clean, OEM-style installation.

Will I need to remove my front skid plate or plastic cladding to install this?

Yes, you'll need to remove any trim pieces that sit in front of the frame where the bar mounts. Factory plastics and deflectors should come off first; reinstall what clears the bar afterward.

Can I paint this, or does the black finish need prep?

The powder-coat is paint-ready if you want a different color. Light scuff with 220-grit sandpaper, prime, and spray your choice of finish. If you're keeping black, no prep is needed — install as-is.