There are some of us who are masters with monokote (I am not one of them though!) It can almost compete with a good paint job. But I do remember salavating over some of Steve Helms' planes. If I remember he used to have a Japanese builder who did the work. They were works of art and......light. I think that is the age old dilemna. Can you use the paint to get the finish you want yet keep it light enough to perform. I personally prefer automotive paint with base coat/clear coat method and monocoat over the balsa flying surfaces.