Nitrate dope is used in covering full size aircraft because of the way it bonds to the fabric. Then the butyrate goes over that. Silver dope is used for UV protection-probably not really needed on a model.

Apply 3-4 coats of nitrate to the framework, sand lightly. Then you can use a mix of mostly thinner and dope-maybe 90% thinner-to adhere the cloth. Then heat shrink. Or, you could use Coverite or Stiks-It and iron the Koverall on and then heat shrink and dope it.

If you want the best finish, you can spray clear dope over the color. The beautiful shiny dope finishes have a lot of clear on them. The clear is what is sanded and buffed to that high gloss. The clear isn't strictly necessary, but is a good idea for gloss and durability.

Nitrate dope is not glow-fuel proof at all, but it's fine with gas power. Butyrate is probably better described as fuel resistant. Nitro content fuel over about 10% can mar the finish if not cleaned up right away. BTW, if you use some castor oil in your fuel, it helps add shine and flexibility to the finish.

There is so much info and so many ways of doing this that it's impossible to get it all in one post. One source of great info is at www.windyurtnowski.com Windy is one of the acknowledged masters of the dope finish, and offers videos of his methods in great detail. Well worth a few bucks to see a master at work.

There's nothing prettier than than a well-done dope finish.