Yes, it definitely lets the smaller aerion particles pass through, while letting the larger ones bounce. Saves many an airplane...
Actually, silk is very transparent...even if you put an awful lot of dope on. Which you can't with these little models!
Colored silk is perfect, just a few coats of clear and you are there, nice and transparent....
I'll be the first to admit that ANY iron on, even one without adhesive, like litespan, is a whole lot easier to apply, but silk looks great, is light, and lasts a long time. But yeah, it's a lot more work...