Gold Leaf for logo on headstock?

[Zuotian]

I'm nearing the end of my first instrument and I got the bright idea to use gold leaf for the logo on the headstock. I asked about it in another luthier forum and they directed me here because the gold series guitars have gold logos on the headstock. I just have a couple questions, having never worked with gold leaf, or finishing an instrument at all.

1. Is this even a good idea, or will the finish ruin it? (I plan on using stewmac's brush-on finish)

2. My friend has access to a computer controlled vinyl sticker machine which I plan on using to make a mask. After I put the mask on and spread the glue should I leave the mask on when I apply the gold?

3. When during the finish process should I apply the gold leaf? straight into bare wood? before the final coat? on top of the finish?

Thanks in advance and any other thoughts on the subject will be warmly received.