Now, my next issue is I need to fill the wear areas of wear through to wood.

I've looked through HEP photos and I'm not sure exactly what he uses.  I'm guessing its a fine filler of some description.

Need to source an airbrush tomorrow and paint.

Its a shame about the wear...Would have turned out nice otherwise!....

I would throw in the old saying "you can't polish a turd" but I've seen Mythbusters do it!