[Ashlandchris]

As above.

You can see when it is dry as it goes from cloudy pale green/blue to a translucent colour. I go for 4 coats as I find it easier to peel. I use either a hairdryer or (if wife is out) put the oven on ~35degC and stick shell in oven for 10 mins between coats. You can also leave on a radiator if heating is on

Definitely cut all lines before as you can't see outlines once you have 1st coat of paint on.

Finally, make sure the LM you have bought is suitable for model making. My first pot was made by Vallejo (or something like) and cutting it was like trying to drag a knife over rubber. It would not cut smoothly. I now use RCS and it is superb stuff.

wash shell in warm soapy water before applying LM and allow to dry fully.
avoid fingerprints on shell once peeling LM as the prints will show in the fine paint layers - especially in fades. I find a pair of needle nose tweezers are the best purchase I have ever made for this.