[whirnot]

Although this thread got hijacked to YOM plates, a comment on the primer. I used a filler primer when I restored my Colorado plate, and wished I hadn't. It built up too fast and was hard to sand down around the curvature of the letter stamp. If I do it again, I would just use plain primer, and give it multiple coats.
My plate was very rough, it had some holes, and was folded and nailed to a wall. Take your time and make it nice, it's actually a fun side project.