Cheers @Mark Smith. There is a bit of contamination in the paint coats, with a paint with such a long open time and limited space to work in, it's pretty much unavoidable. But, as you say, the originals were probably subject to the same kind of thing, so I'm not too fussed.   @RepeatedMeme Thank you! Yes, both domes are the same grey RAL7024. It goes on a bit lighter before the solvent evaporates, so I'm hoping to find two dark domes and a set of neckrings when I go in this morning!

I wouldn't torture yourself with the paint finish. The original finish must have have been dreadful up close.   Having said that though, you're right about the masking tape. It definitely does look like they've painted around the hemis, separately, after.   Looking good, JK!

Possibly, a LOT of clamps. @bec weir has a lot of clamps.   Some people soak the ply to make it happier bending and strap it down, letting it dry with the curve. When it likes being curved, glue and brads may do the trick with fewer clamps.

Hello,   If you want to see more simulations, post a clear schematic and I can give it a try.   Bertus