vmsguy,

Who use's dope anymore? That method went out in the 80's. Only some Oldtimers still like to do it that way. I just blow mine off and then do as Ken said but I use a washcloth instead of paper towels to make it nice and clean. As far as the little bit of dampness raising the grain, don't wory about it. I haven't ever had an issue with that using film or fabric. Now I glass all my planes because I'm doing Warbirds but I've done a ton of civilian planes with some film but mostly Solartex and 21st Century fabric. Then I prime and paint it.

JMHO,

Gibbs