It requires a lot of time and patience. I don't think sanding to rough the area up first is advisable, as it is much easier to rub the leafing totally flat if the surface is smooth to begin with - the smoother the surface underneath, the smoother you'll be able to make the leaves. I don't know whether you've actually looked at or used leafing before, but the "size" as it is called (gluey substance) that you put on first for the copper flakes to stick to, is very messy. Therefore, masking around the edges of the lugs first is a good idea, though I guess if you were careful with the brush then it wouldn't really be a necessity. The copper flakes will only stick to the areas that have the size applied, so don't worry about the flakes being messily applied - just try to ensure the size stays only on the lugs. The leaves are easy to shape with a small exacto knife at the end. Also, clearcoating with a good enamel is absolutely essential, as without it, the finish is even more brittle than spray-paint.