Depending on how you get the paint will change how you apply it. Because I have paint in pints, I use fingernail polish brushes.
I go to any store, and buy fingernail polish clear coat. Once its back to the shop, I dump it out and fill it with paint thinner. Then I always have a touch up brush ready to go. If you buy 2 then you have clear coat to put on over your base. I dont need that.
Application.
Put on light coats, I wait 5 minutes if that to apply the next coat. Depending on what Im doing I may put on one heavy coat. Door edges I put a nice thick coat on. Hood, fenders, I like to go light. I dont put clear on after the base. It really a waste of time and either way it will still leave and edge where eventually it can peel back up anyway.