Your Opinions Please

Thak you so much! Your opinion really matters. I have never even sanded wood! But, I do pick up on things that interest me very quickly and have an artistic side. Perfectionist too. So this project will be a first for everything. So far, I'm doing it right. No gouges in the metal from sanding. I'm using a DA.
So now I have an idea where to turn next.

Anyone else with tips, tricks and opinions on my original post???

Joanne