Guys,
This is great information and thank you for the comments. I don't know if I really accept the notion that since the back is not painted it will crack. My table top is painted and the back is not, It has never cracked. Of course the airplane is not a table and is subjected to flight loads. This might have more to do with it. I still feel however, the glass cloth only adds to surface toughness. But I may be wrong... In this particular application I don't think I need it and I will omit it to save weight.
I have decided that I am going to / have already poly coated the fuse twice sanding between coats. Used an automotive filler primer and am now sanding that smooth. The results are very good so far. I want to use the automotive base coat / clear coat method, but I suspect when I see the cost that may change. I am guessing materials will be in the $200 range. I may be willing to go this route just to learn the application to model aircraft.
I'll keep you posted. I'll get some pictures up soon.
Kind regards,
Rick