I personally wouldn't do a warbird for a first kit build. Some people may be able to handle it just fine but I sure couldn't have. I agree with the other reply, look at something like a 4*, Venture .60, Sig SE or something along those lines. You'll learn the basics of building plus have a nice airplane to fly. I saw a Venture .60 for the first time at the field today; it was a great looking plane, I may just have to get one. The only warbird I can think of that may qualify for a first build is a Great Planes P-51. As for the covering, I'd go with Monokote or Ultracoat. They are easy to apply and look nice. Save the painting for down the road when you get to that perfect looking scale warbird stage. This is just my opinion of course based on my own experience. You may take a different route and be completely successful.