What can help is a coat of primer on the timber to bind the paint and also help match the paint as the primer can be white. Gav taught me this old trick on the "Aces High" restoration. Are you using acrylics or enamels ? Are you planning to clear or mylar ?

Don't be discouraged or overwhelmed. You need to try different things and make mistakes - although one good tip - ask the missus to colour match - they are usually spot on !