headgasket surfaces

[m5 sjs]

Hi i am about to change the headgasket,my fibre gasket is leaking oil,I have all new bolts and a single notch mls replacment gasket.I am interested to know the best way to clean the surfaces other than getting them skimmed or milled down,does fitting a mls gasket mean more attention is needed to get the proper finish.Is the best way to use a scraper I have the proper plastic blades so as not to nick the soft head, or/and some fine sandpaper and scotchbrite and engine solvent cleaner.
Cheers