Here's crash bar right after painting it.
Here is a shot with my horns and lights mounted.
You're doing the same weekend project I did when I shaved it. Some tips: use a 1/4" or 3/8" (can't remember) bit and drill out the center of each opening from the front (after the bumper is removed). This removes a good chunk of the material. I then used an angle grinder with a 60 grit flap disk from the back side. Use caution to not overheat the plastic since it will melt into a pile of goop - quick passes from side to side.
I used satin black Rustoleum for painting the crash bar and the bar just behind it in front of the radiator. It's held up great. I've only had to touch it up last summer when I did the horns and lights because of the drilling and will be touching it up soon because the paint has flaked on the bolts I used. DO make sure to mask off the radiator well with some plastic or paper. Wouldn't hurt to wipe down the crash bar with some soap and water first to remove any road grime.