The primer would fade quicker.

 

There are black primers. In most cases, primers are going to have a non glossy surface.

 

I installed these running boards today. They came painted black, not primer. I did not repaint them. My HHR is black granite but the black running boards look great. I paid $199 plus $11 shipping. I am very happy!

 

I'm sill not sure if my boards are primed or painted. The part number is for primed and there is a sheet inclosed that says they are primed. That said, they look painted, they are glossy black outside and dull black inside. I am waiting for warmed weather to install them so I could take them to a paint shop and ask them what they think. I wish I knew an easy way to tell for sure.

 

Since they're still not installed, take the boards to the body shop and ask them. If they need to be painted, it would be a lot easier to paint them off the car.

 

I took the boards to a body shop I have delt with before and they said they are primed and not painted. They look good but need paint before installing. I thought they wanted an arm and a leg to paint them so I will be getting more estimates.