Will this bolt straight to my bumper cover, or does my current bracket need to come off first?

Your old bracket comes out completely—this is a direct replacement. It bolts into the same factory points on the frame that the original used. Unbolt the old one, bolt this one in its place.

Do I need to paint this before installation?

This bracket mounts behind your bumper cover, so paint is optional. Most drivers leave it bare since it's hidden. If you want it painted to match, prepare and paint before installation using standard automotive primers and topcoats.

What hardware do I need to bolt this on?

Mounting hardware is not included with this bracket. Check your service manual or test-fit the bracket first to confirm bolt sizes and specifications for your vehicle, then source hardware accordingly.