RE: Painting letters with dope
I've used various auto supply red, blue, and green plastic tapes with no problem. Sealing the edges with clear dope is usually done, but I have a burnishing tool which sticks the edges down nicely. Using tape, what I do is draw the letters on with a watersoluable color pen. Tape them up, paint them with a brush, and then take the tape up. Use a damp Q-tip to remove any showing pen color. I try to use the same color as the letters, but it doesn't make much difference.
There is a brown plastic tape sold at the hobby shop which does not do curves well, but is great for straight lines.
I once watched George Aldrich build a Nobler. He painted and pinstriped the numbers freehand. I was impressed.
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