( I pre assemble hull, then) i mark my joints and mating surfaces with a sharp pencil (then I disassemble parts) then fine-line tape them, ( this is done in preassembly and fitment) I fine line tape all the flat surfaces and joints, then I apply the west system, let it dry, pull the tape,then blade the surfaces smooth and scotch brite them. (when ready to assemble hull) I wet -out the joints and gluing surface, then and add some thickener and apply it to all surfaces. assemble and clamp. then I take a small foam brush and smooth the joints. if applying balsa re-inforcers in any joints, I do it now and re-brush the joints and make sure all is covered. I use the same methods when attaching the skins. I scotch-brite and re-seal the interior as I apply the skins. this may be a little overkill, but is super strong.
I updated for clarification of process I use