i was wrong, it's on in there. You don't have to drain your oil. You just have to remove the (4 10mm - 5th gen DX/LX) (5 10mm - 5th gen EX, 6th gen) nuts on top of the valve cover and take off your plug wires. The cover may need some prying to get it off, but it'll come off.

Prepping is the most important thing, be sure to get all the old crap off first. Primer, then paint. You can also apply a thin coat of vasoline to the "HONDA" emblem so when you paint it, it will still be polished.

hih