The first bit of actual work that was done was to the engine bay. I don't know why, but to me the engine bay of a car is a BIG deal. IMO, it should be color matched to the exterior of the car or dipped in black. Not rattle-can black, but BLACK. but again, this depends on the exterior color.
My first job was cleaning. I spent literally hours sitting on a 5 gal bucket in the middle of the engine bay tearing everything down and cleaning with degreaser and a toothbrush.
i know, it's rediculous. Anyway, after a few hours of cleaning before a few hours of prep work, here's what it turned out like:
The paint is Sherwin-Williams Honda Granada Black Pearl underneath 3 coats of DuPont ChromaPremier Clear Coat.
this was last summer, and i don't have any un-taped pics, but you get the idea.