I've got a fair amount of PE experience building 1/350 ships. There's an article about it in the new FSM, but frankly, it's not very good.
First and foremost, invest in a brake. Mine is from Mission Models, other people like Etchmate. Not only is it a good straight edge, but it's a third hand, and if part of the part is in it, the carpet monster goes hungry. And he REALLY likes PE. And don't use the plastic spatulas that come with it, use a single edge razor blade.
Next, paint on the fret. I've never seen the need to pickle or prime ahead, as some do, but a shot with a rattle can first is the way to go. These things drink paint on account of the open spaces.
PE doesn't replace round objects too well, and the fret designers tend to go overboard, so I never use up the whole fret. Stuff like flaps, panels and sights work, but gun barrels, antennas, struts etc. don't do it for me. Oh, and Frank you may need to invest in an optivisor.
Handle with care, stick it on LAST.