Use a light hand and a really fine brush, like a 0000. Wet the brush a touch, just enough to lift the paint, then tap off the excess before you apply. That keeps the paint from pooling and adding bulk. After the first coat, let it dry completely before you go in again—no half-dry layers, that’s when the paint tends to swell. When you finish, a quick pass with a clean, dry micro‑brush over the edges can remove any stray blobs. If you’re worried about a slight bump, try a thin acrylic medium that dries flat and won’t raise the edges. Just remember, every extra coat is a potential snag point, so keep it lean and tidy.

You’re right, timing is everything. I always put a thin film of matte clear on the first coat, let it dry for at least thirty minutes, then do the second with the same low‑pressure technique. If the paint’s still tacky, the edges will lift and snag. I’ve written the exact timing down in my archive—just a note in the Hall of Regret for the days when I rush and end up with a rogue “sword snag.” Keep that log close, and you’ll never surprise yourself with a bulk‑bug.

I’ll give you the same routine I use for every armor set. One quick fingertip test is the fastest way to catch a tacky layer. If the finger leaves a faint smear, you’ve got enough moisture to raise the edges. Wait until that smear disappears before you go in again. It’s a small step, but it saves the whole unit from becoming a bulk bug in the heat of battle.