| Trevwoody,one of the main reasons for the dip is to replicate the optically correct look that all aircraft canopies have,the plastic has supplied looks just that,like plastic,by dipping both sides the right effect is achieved as it pulls together the optical effect due to the refraction of light on the clear plastic.
Personally I do the dip first,then cut pre-painted masking tape strips for the framework,then seal these by running a bead of Klear around the joins,this also stops the framework from drying up and coming away.
But as Richard says you may wish to experiment and do things differently,the best way is to get a couple of old paint hack models,use these to do your vital experiments on,that way you can decide which technique is best suited to yourself.
Always be flexible in your approach to modelling,and above all be prepared for change if you find a better method.
__________________ 'And there I was oil on my goggles from a broken pipe,then I looked at the altimeter,all I could see was the makers name !' www.wonwinglo.scale-models.net/ | 
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