If paint comes off with tape you're doing something wrong.
You got it, what I was doing wrong was using filler and primer when I didn't know how. I used to use nothing but AeroGloss colored dope from the 4th coat on. I would brush about 5 coats sanded then wet-sanded after the third color between coats. Rubbed and polished it was as fine a finish as you could get in the day. Can't get AeroGloss anymore and the Sig & Brodak dopes just don't sand as well. Rustoleum does, especially wet sanding so I am going back to the old way of using sanded solid until there aren't any more dings to fill (I also use colored dope to fill the little blemishes - let a small amount of color set out and thicken and use it to fills those places where the grain won the battle on the early coats). This method is about the lightest you can find. Maybe takes a bit longer but what else did you have to do while watching TV. Rubbing and polishing used to be the fun part.
I have tried it everybody else way on my last two planes after returning and turned two really well sanded, smooth and light air-frames into two overweight planes with finishes that will be looking over the tops of other ships to even see the front row. Luckily they fly great.
I readily admit that except perhaps for weight, the new stuff and methods are better but I have limited building space and no where to set up a spray station or the money to buy equipment that may be used once a year. So, I am going back to the old ways.
Do you have a phone number I can text some images to? I may want you to do some graphics for me if they are not too expensive. Waterslide didn't work, too big I guess and I really like vinyl better anyway. If not I can stick them on here.
Ken