For some things the fabric is too heavy. For the models I like, fabric is ideal. Nobody mentioned 21 Century fabric. It is pre-painted, and goes on much easier then Monocote. I used it in a lot of models w/very good results. Monocote is lighter, then Ultracote, then 21 Century Fabric, then painted whatever. Paint is not light, of course it all depends on how you apply it.

I have a friend that painted his 1/3 scale BALSA USA bipe with a foam roller and latex. Perfect for the application, it looked great:-)

Good luck

Gerry