Mark I give you stick and tissue folks a lot of credit. Tissue covering it not easy. I've taken the easy route of using Microlite iron-on, which the old timers would say is really cheating.
The stuff paints reasonably well with no prep, other than being susceptible a bit of chipping here and there, which looks like weathering to me. It loosens up a bit when painting, but usually shrinks back fully when dry. If not, a powerful hair dryer takes care of it. Never a heat gun though! With airbrush spraying, you can end up nearly as light as tissue.
BTW, I have a 70 fastback Mustang out back that is driveable, but been off the road for some years. Last project was installing factory air, which really made it an enjoyable car to drive in the summer. I have a pile of new sheetmetal and a full front end rebuild kit, if I ever get back on it some day. I got into these dang model planes, and am too lazy to work on cars anymore, lol.