Well when I did the work on my dash and painted it I just used Newspaper across the front of the windshield help up w/ tape to ensure it woudn't get on the front glass.
I just took my time and did light coats to make sure I got it completely covered and made sure it looked like the rest of the dash....
I wasn;t sure how to take it out so I did mine in the car.....Good luck to you and just be sure to take your time. that's the biggest key.
