RE: dope question....
The best stuff to use for your situation would be Nitrate dope and dope thinner, both of which can be purchased at [link=http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/MainMenuFV4.html?E+Sig]SIG (click here)[/link]
Click on 'Building equipment', then 'Paint', then 'Dope' and order SIG NITRATE DOPE PINT #SIGND001 and SUPERCOAT THINNER PINT #SIGSD106