Painted bars look good in some cases, sort of like a HZ GTS. But I've seen some horrors too. I do agree you need to use the rubber strips on a painted bar just to break it up.

I think some body-coloured bars look good, or the trend of painting the bar to look like alloy or brushed stainless can suit some cars.

I just had a thought too. Instead of re-chroming maybe those vinyl wraps could do the job.....??????