All underlying defects will show through the covering. Don't think because you cover it up that it goes away. I've never had a ding, glob of glue, or any other impervection that "disappeared" while covering! Sanding is not hard--just tedious, and takes some patience, but it well worth the extra effort.

Having said that, remember that with the transparent, the blemishes will be even more apparent! Also, transparent covering is a bear to get the seams right. I would definitely NOT recommend transparent covering for your first attempt!

Besides, why would you cover a scale bird in an unscale fashion?