John,
Being a small model, you may want to play around with the peel and stick stuff that's available which is real aluminum.
Comes in sheets, goes on easy, sticks really well and you can clear it.
I've never used it for a full models, but I have used it here and there.
Been so long I don't remember what the stuff is called? Age.
Someone must know?
Here's the stuff, old left overs, on this Robart strut. The strut is waiting for clear.
Might just work for you, after all, it is aluminum.
Good luck,
Charles