yeah, powder clear build usually about 2-4 mils thick (closer to 2 mils is better), which is great when it adheres to the base coat, as it has a deep European luster, it's great!
Yeah, I have a empty 3rd member we use to mask ford rears, works great to eliminate poor masking.
Sadly I have learned some of these lessons the coater you used the same way, fortunately not at the magnitude they did.
Yes we media clean, and blasting powder SUCKS!!!!

Josh