It is obvious from the responses that the answer isn’t clear-cut and there are advantages and disadvantages either way. However the decision is really quite simple. If you normally use film and are comfortable with it then it is the obvious choice. If you usually paint and feel more comfortable with it then do it. I have used fabric and dope for more than forty years and for me the results are good, and repairs are easy. I have never seen the “stress” cracks some have mentioned and never had trouble matching colors when repairing, since most dope colors are standard, and being a solvent type paint, it’s easy to blend the new with the old.

As far as weight, the paint film resulting from painting with aircraft dope is quite thin and light when dry. It is at least comparable to a plastic film finish and eliminates the problem of peel off and bubbles that are often seen with the plastic.

Both methods give good results. It is mostly a matter of personal preference.