Has anyone tried using an initial coat of Gelatine to fill the weave. I remember someone suggesting that years ago, but have never tried it.

I have used Gelatine recently to attach silkspan to foam and also to fill the weave. Works pretty good but it takes a little practice to keep the Gelatine at the right consistency during brushing. It hardens as it cools so the trick is to keep it warm as you brush, not too warm because then it is too watery, and not too cold.

However it is cheap!