Multi-server farm patching question

Hi,

I need to patch Sharepoint 2010 server, in an environment consisting of an app server and 3 WFEs.

Is there an order in which server I should do first? And, if the servers are load balanced, do I need to patch the WFEs in a certain way (ie take it offline from Sharepoint? Which I assume means disconnect from farm?).

Also, do you patch SP1 before any CUs?

Thanks