There isn't a specific sequence to marking rivet locations, making the actual rivet, and polishing Flite-Metal because there are multiple ways of accomplishing this, with results that vary from semi weathered to mirror polished surfaces. You should experiment with your resources to see what results in replicating your documentation.
There are as many surfacing methods as I have customers. That in itself is what makes Flite-Metal part of your model construction experience. I like to think of it in terms of combining one's model construction/finishing skill with Flite-Metal for a winning combination. For example, most customers cover a wing tip in two pieces. That would be the bottom to just below the shadow break line, then top down from the panel line to the shadow break line.
Stretching the aluminum at the surface contact point permits up to a 25% area mass stretch. Attempting to stretch off of the surface will result in under cupping the unburnished aluminum as it stretches. Under cupping typically results in immediate wrinkles when the overly stretched aluminum is pressed onto the surface. If the aluminum is permitted to simply be adhered to the surface without too much pressure applied to the surface, stretching and resulting wrinkles will be minimized to virtually non-existance.
The twelve inch packaging of Flite-Metal behaves entirely different from the six inch width product. Inidividuals whom have only used twelve inch widths are amazed at how much less aluminum is wasted in the application process and how quickly the six inch Flite-Metal is applied. Our twelve inch product is intended for use on larger than six inch width panels...period.
Attempting to cut down the twelve inch width product to achieve savings on the overall project is a false economy because of inherient stretch factors of this specialty alloy. Each time the poduct is handled, it will stretch. To minimize wrinkles and reduce overall stretch of the aluminum, I arrived at a six inch width on three inch cores for ease of packaging and application of Flite-Metal.
Originally, Flite-Metal was not back-wound onto cardboard cores, it was simply converted to a loosly wound 25 or 50 foot length, placed in the plastic sleeve and a cardboard box. In order to reduce damage in transit and improve application results the cardboard core was introduced.