Couple of things i can sugest,

Glue : the best around is the Tamiya Extra thin (green cap) i tried so many different one before i got to this and wondered why i didnt get any before!

Workbech : if you dont want to spen for a cutting mat , get a cheap dollar store wood chopping board, it will make your #11 blade last longeur, i would suggest a cheap halogen flexible  desk light , small boxes to put your loose parts in not to loose them to the carpet monster. this brings me to the next point tame your carpet monster!  feed it spare parts not needed for the kit then try to find them (im serious gravity is pretty linear) so that when you drop a good part youl know the general area thats its gona hide!

For paints , the Testor rattle cans are great, you can also use Krylon for plastic but you have a limited pallet and are much harder to control.

Clear cote : Essential for decal installation and great to protect your finished project, Get some Pledge floor wax with future, its cheap and you can brush it on http://www.pledge.ca/en/products-future-floor.html

Hope this helps