i have a DX, and i think my side moldings are made out of this rough stuff
(they are black and i wanna paint them to match the rest of the body), anyways i've spoken to a couple auto body shops and they say that the paint my not stick on those moldings. has anyone else experienced this, if so please help.

take them off and sand them well. I don't know if they are just primered or painted from the factory. Best thing to do is sand them well, give it like 2-3 coats of primer then as many coats of color and clear that you see fit.

exactly right i help my buddy on his 97 teg do his moldings came out nice using the same ideas as GS and its cheap!!

Or you could buy some from a junkyard off an EX. I think those come painted.. I know the rear license area and door handles are painted on them.

then how come two different body shops have told me that the paint might not stick? and thanks for reminding me on the license plate part, F**K !!!