[Ferrari TR]

1. Most hobby paint pearls do look better over a base color. I use silver a lot.
White makes them a bit bright while I find grey makes them dull. Model Master pearls and metallics get darker the more coats you paint.
2. Your correct. Clear color or 'candies' are often sprayed over a silver or gold base if used simply as a color.

I get the feeling your talking about the HOK Kustum Kolor line...?
I know the had some instructions in the original big sets, but I have no idea if they have anything in the new sets.