I can't say I am an expert, but I did just recently paint my plane and
have been through a lot of the issues.  If you can paint a surface
flat, that is always the easiest.  I would start by laying a coat down
around the edges, then come back and do the center part. That being
said, you want to be able to do the whole piece at one time.  It is
possible to blend and edge -do the top, let it dry and then flip and
do the bottom, but this is HARD to get right.

I think the easiest way to do the control surfaces, is hang them by a
wire from a hinge, spray the edges first then the flat parts.  They
will be vertical so you need to be very aware of running.   Depends on
the paint you are using, but generally one very light "tack" coat then
2 or so light coats will be better.  Light is the key.  Make sure you
wait enough between coats.  I have to physically leave my paint area,
so I don't get tempted to start on the next coat too soon.

Also coming back and cleaning up edges is hard.  I always seem to sand
through.  You are going to buff and polish and can fix some issues,
but edges are hard.

Dan Ballin
N386DM    1.5 hrs and heading for 40