Sounds like you did have some Christmas time. Good fer ya'.

One note: If the model is pre-doped, be careful what paint you select. Actually I would suggest that you contact SIG or Brodak for the dope. CAUTION: If your father-in-law happened to use Aero Gloss dope on the model, almost NOTHING will go over AG. The exception, the model being long cured, some polyurethanes may work OK.

Sig dope is actually Randolph Aircraft Dope and very pricey.

Brodak (www.brodak.com) is also a derivative of Randolph, but a different formula. It is by far the best dope I have ever used and I have been doping for 65 years. If you are in a high humidity area (GA) then I suggest you also get some retarder. Retarder slows the drying and will assist you in obtaining a nice blush-free finish. It works like thinner, but prevents blush, the mean part of dope other than the smell.

A dope finish takes lots of time as your father-in-law is well aware but you simply cannot beat the feeling when you are at the field and get all the questions of "What did you cover it with."

Good luck, Man.