basically i layer it on. i use pewter, black and spanish copper in that order. I use a small brush and go around the edge with the pewter creating a worn dull apparence to the silver leaf. I then randomly brush on the black with the brush and rub it to create a smoky look around the edge. the spanish copper goes on somewhat thick to give it a more 3d texture and i gently rub that to blend it but leave some thick.
I started the technique on my wife's zam and really liked the colors and the way it turned out on her armor so i just stayed with it for this project.
adm...i plan to use the strap method as well...I was thinking of using the button hole attachment to my sewing machine to make the holes to enforce the section so it wouldnt rip on the suit. I was going with 3/4" and 1" stretch elastic. cut the piece long enough so i could fiberglass the piece to the back of the armor. then take the two tails and put them through the suit and sew on some backpack clips on the ends. then the armor would just stay on the suit all the time and you would have to pull the suit up in stages as you clip the armor from shin to knee to thigh...