I have only recently started using nitrate dope in the proper way, i.e. for the early coats. You get much better taughtening than with butyrate, and I find it easier to work with. I have switched to Randolph's, because it's cheaper.

Of course, you still need to finish with butyrate.

I also have sprayed dope with good success. I use a good portion of retarder, and apply thin coats. That prevents the dope from drying too fast, and lets the finish flow. Otherwise, you can get a rough finish.

As for 'puddling' on the inside of the finish, I understood that was necessary to saturate the silk (or silkspan). Dope was actually part of the structure of early aircraft. The canvas had to be saturated to develop its maximum strength. Has anyone else heard that?