I want to use a checkerboard pattern on my control surfaces. Monokote only offers this as trim sheets. Can this be applied directly to the balsa surface, or do I need to put monokote on first?

Also, I want the bottom of the wing to be red and white striped. The top of the wing will be red. Should I put white on the bottom with red stripes, or red with white stripes, or doesn't it really matter? I've read on other posts that the darker color below will show through the lighter on on top.

I also tend to over-think things.

Thanks