Marty,
Use the medium silkspan the light stuff is ok for 1/2A. Once it is dry check for warps. If you see any now is the time to address them. Just mist the panel again and jig it straight with weights. Once all is straight you can start with the clear dope. For the dope always do a whole half wing top and bottom then do the other side. I like to alternate applying coats starting on the top for one coat then after it dries for the second coat start on the bottom then do the top. Let each coat dry a few hours between them for the first 4 coats then let it dry overnight.
Check for warps along the way you can use a heat gun to add a little heat to a warped area and straighten (just bend it a little past straight, hold and let cool, you will get a feel for how much to bend). From the 5th coat on as it starts to fill the wave let it dry 3 -4 hours between coats. Usually around the 6thor 7th coat you start to see a little sheen and its then ready for the rest of the finish.
Best, DennisT