In a quick experiment that I performed last fall...
the 0.008" hex flake goes through a Preval just fine and lays down great. It would take MUCH less clear to level it.
The big flake, sifters, and GALLONS of DEFT that Spunky and I have used can give very nice results. I am not going to pretend that it is the best, or only way of doing it.
Even spraying the 0.015" flake through my big bore cheap top loading spray gun gives a much flatter surface than you get when you sprinkle it on.
I will tell you though...NOTHING looks better than that big flake dumped on randomly. It reflects light in all sorts of crazy directions.
My plan is to try mixing in some holographic flakes with with some silver, red, white, and blue. I think that may look like something from another planet.
If you know what I mean.
