As good as the above recommendations are, I feel compelled add the following: Any bodyshop will tell you that perhaps 80% of the success or failure of a paint job lies in the prep work. Before painting. This includes taping, of which you have little control. Where you DO have control depends upon how handy you are. When I had my cars painted, I gently removed everything that could get in the way of a smooth job: mirrors, trim, mouldings, grille, bumpers, all lights, antenna and handles. While the painter had the car, I cleaned, polished and touched up all those bits. Replaced fasteners and clips, as needed. Put it all back together when I got the cars back. Body shops appreciate not having to tape over all the trim, there's less chance of drips, paint gets to all the surfaces, and it's easier to freshen up those parts when they're off the car. As a bonus, many shops will discount the job, depending upon how much prep work you do before the car comes in. For me, the savings was substantial.

B