Yeah, buff it before you seal it.
Becareful of the testors metallizers, especially when masking, since the are fragile.
SnJ makes the better (the best IMHO) metallizer and can buff very nicely with thier powder - just a bit messy tho.
That's generally what I do, then I'll lightly tint areas with the testors metallizer
3d modelling is an option
a true mental excercise in frusrtation