I'm sure everyone has their own technique and I'm sure they all work well. Here is mine, assuming you are using dope and silk-span, I use a high quality one inch brush for applying 3 coats of 50% thinned dope on all bare wood surfaces, sanding lightly between coats. Then cover all surfaces with silk-span and apply 3 more coats of 50 % thinned dope with the one inch brush, sanding lightly between coats. Then I spray primer, sand, spray color, sand, spray clear, sand and polish. The initial brushing of dope works it into the grain/surfaces and ensures good adhesion of the covering. I hope this helps, but I'm sure other builders will provide additional input that will also give you more ideas and techniques. What ever you do, have fun!!!
Don