not sure where the term came from but it is a type of laquer, very aeromatic with flamable fumes and quite smelly when fresh.cannot be applied to many plastics. it shrinks considerably as it dries which takes at least a week to fully cure. smell is just part of the problems associated with it. it "blushes" terribly when applied in humid weather unless special techniques are used and it turns brittle with age.still , a proper dope finish is a thing of beauty when done by those who learn to work it.