No, I'm not totally sure... I guess it may be painted. My '99 has never had a problem with bubbling or chipping, but it may have a nice coat of matte black on it. VX_HK's is a '97, only a couple years older than mine, but enough time for it to start doing something if it is going to.

Still, I'd sand it and paint it, or have a shop do it if you want a really nice paint job.