>>8081854I spray from around 12 inches away, in short, controlled bursts, changing angle between bursts or sweeping the can across a piece as I spray. Again, you want the whole thing to be wet so it can all come together into one smooth cohesive coat, but it should not be pooling in crevices or dripping off edges. If you want practice, I would recommend picking up some cheap SDs or FGs (or use some junkers if you've got em) and just test topcoating until you're comfortable with the technique.
Testors is alright, it's certainly better than nothing and will outdo some of the cheaper generic paint brands. My ass is picky though, and if you want the best, look into Mr. Super Clear Flat or Tamiya TS-80 (this is my personal pick). When a high-quality matte topcoat is applied properly, it should give a soft, velvety-looking finish that does not reflect harsh light sources at all.
I know this pic is far from perfect but it does at least illustrate that velvety, non-reflective quality in places. I was having a tough time finding a good topcoat demonstration pic.