Most supplies you will need should already be in your toolbox.
CUT the PE with a good sharp #10 blade on a piece of glass or tile. A #11 will do, but be aware of flying broken knife points. Scissors will do, but the bypass action may twist & bend the part. Specialized nippers are also available.
BEND the PE between a pair of opposed razor blades. Use scraper blades (hardware store item) if you have a bend which is longer than the length of a razor blade. To use, hold the part down with a razor blade on top of the PE, at the bend line. Slide the other razor blade under the part until the blades face each other. Raise the under blade in a hinge motion to the desired angle.
GLUE the PE in place. You may tack the part in place with white glue (Aleenes Tacky Glue is my favorite for this job), then come back with some thin CA and run around the part -- allowing capilary action to suck the glue under the part. Other glues are medium set CA, 5-minute epoxy, or Future. Future is good for gluing flats to flats.
I build ships. I paint my PE while still on the fret. Aircraft & armor builders tend to apply the PE then paint. I guess because their PE may be structural while in a ship most PE is ornamental. Overcoat the PE with a shot of clear flat to kill any shine from the CA.
Other tools: Fine point tweezers in regular & cross action, glue applicator made from a sewing needle (cut the eye into a fork shape). You do not need to run out & buy a Hold-n-Fold or Etchmate. These are tools which will speed up and improve your bend sharpness. IMO you need to learn how to manipulate the brass by hand in order to use one ot these tools effectively.