It's down to practice I'm afraid, but make sure you are in a comfortable position when cutting for a start. Different blades might help you, I prefer number 11, which is pretty common, sometimes a number 10. Also fresh blade each time for a new shell will help alot.
From my experience, 4 thin coats are best for me, making sure each coat is pretty much the same. Before I apply each coat, I wait before the other coat has gone transparent.
My personal preference is to mark out one side, then cut the lines, then remove the pen marks using brake cleaner, THEN draw over the scapel lines that you have cut that you can see through the shell, THEN trace it to the other side (That way I know it's going to be pretty much identical both sides).
Regarding outlines or other words pin striping, I don't draw them on the shell, I just draw the design, then cut it out, then remove the pen marks, then go cut whatever area I want pin striping in as for me, it's much easier to see like that.
Generally I don't think scraping paint off works out too well, it's difficult to make sure you've got that area clean again before, so it's best just not to mess up, if that puts you at ease. Also you don't do anything once you've peeled the area off you want to paint, just paint it, no cleaning required.
It wasn't too long ago when I started and I was in the same position, but the more you paint, the more everything clicks, and suddenly you've got a pretty good looking shell.
Good luck.
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