Will this reinforcement bar require drilling or cutting into my bumper cover?

No. This mounts at factory points—no drilling or cutting needed. It bolts in place using the existing structure.

Do I need to remove the rear bumper assembly to install this?

Yes, you'll need to remove the bumper cover to access the mounting points. Once removed, the bar installs directly where the original reinforcement sits.

Can I paint this before installation, or should I wait until it's bolted on?

Paint after installation. Once mounted, you can finish it to match your bumper cover or leave it as-is if it's hidden from view.