Thank you HamonIser -
I do have flame veneer, but I do have a plan B if I make too big a mess - BRIGHT yellow opaque.

And thank you Simon -
The ES335 drawings I have say the neck should be at 4 degrees off whatever level means - I'm guessing the centerline of the side rims.
Not positive how I'll approach this, so thanks for the heads up. Also for pointing out the insulating nature of the black plating - it hadn't occurred to me that might be the case. Buuuut, the top of the bridge saddles will also insulate the strings, won't they? At least until playing wear cuts through. Hmm.

Still, getting the finish on is going to take weeks - not just drying time, but household realities. I can meditate while attending other duties.