What about the structural qualities of a covering? I mean, doesn't the covering significantly strengthen the airframe? especially control surfaces and wings, elevator and stab?

I am building a Kougar that I want to paint. I guess I believe that I can do more with paint than I can with monokote, especially details. I did a military scheme on another bashed kit and the letters came off after a little fuel soaking from the exhaust. I didn't like that.

I was thinking using a fabric and doping it or priming it or using glass. What are the weight/strenght trade offs? It sure would be easier to sand the fully sheeted structure smooth, prime it and paint it.