Yes this is a PAINTED ARK - expertly achieved by Mr. Tom Everson. He writes:
"When it came to paint, I tried more than a dozen types, but I found that a plastic primer, followed by 3 coats of High Gloss Black Enamal, then 4 coats of Krylon 1050 Premium Aerosol, 8-Ounce, Gold Foil Metallic Finish made it look like it was covered in 24k gold... I found the Gold paint at Hobby Lobby... Again, thanks for making it possible."