RE: What is dope?
I used to use Airplane Dope, which is a specific type of paint, on tissue paper covered balsa models back in the 70s when I was a kid. Not sure what the base or solvent was but it had a unique smell (maybe that's where the name comes from) and I believe it was fuel-proof. I haven't heard of it being used much anymore, doesn't mean it isn't tho.