Hi Ron the pearl does not go in the base. You lay your base color down let it flash off then lay your pearl allow that to flash off then your clear. What you need to do first though is spray at least 3 small color cards label them 1,2,3 on the first card you put 3 coats of base 2 coates of pearl, 2nd card put 3 coats of base 3 coates of pearl, 3rd card 3 coats of base 4 coates of pearl then on them all put a coat of clear on. by doing this you will be able to work out how much pearl you need to get the effect your after it will say you time & material when it comes to putting it on the job.
If you need any more info Im happy to help out.