Thanks Greg. I dont use poly resin as I have limited space. Epoxy is less hazardous and dont give off such a nasty smell. 👍

If it is your intention to simply use the Gelcoat as a hull finish, yes you can brush it on, then sand to your perfect finish.
My preferred method though, would be to fibreglass the bare wood hull with poly resin and at least one layer of 4oz or lighter, first, to put the strength into the hull, then finish with gelcoat.

sounds like a plan. Please be sure to post pictures of your progress.😊

@Toradog
We have a local manufacturer that makes epoxy gel coat. But after reading all the comments, I don't think I am going that route. It seems standard epoxy with colorant will work just fine to get the finish I want.

Do NOT apply polyester GelKote over epoxy. It will not adhere. Epoxy sticks to polyester, but not the other way around.
If you already have epoxy on your hull, then I would just apply more coats and add colorant to the last two.

Thanks AustinG Im familiar with epoxy and use as it is safer than polyester resin. Its also stronger. The plank of frame gaff rigged schooner I have has two layers of epoxy. Lamination is only required after 6 layers. So I guess I will repeat this process and gel coat over it. Then again the hull must be white so I might just add a pigment to the epoxy and flat it down before polishing.
Thanks for the advice on the gel coat. Might not go that route now.

Good advice but epoxy also needs to be treated with caution, especially if used in closed areas.
AustinG.

GelKote should NOT be applied to a bare wood hull, for a couple of reasons. 1) it has not strength 20 it will not adhere very well, 30 it is soft and can be easily damaged.
The hull should be fiber glassed or epoxy coated. In either case at least one layer of cloth should be applied as well. Many folks will apply multiple layers of glass cloth. The more applied, the stronger and more water proof the hull, but beware that the weight of glass and resin will build up quickly. After applying the FG to the hull, GelKote can be applied, brushed or sprayed. Gelkote, being quite a bit softer than FG resin, can be sanded very easily.
If you are up to the sanding, than just FG resin and glass will work. You can always add colorant to the resin or simply paint the hull after it is cured and sanded.
There are many ways to approach this and each individual has their own preference.
If you are sensitive to chemicals, or your significant other will not let you stink up your residence, than epoxy may be a preferred option. While it is more expensive, it does allow you to work inside.
Hope this helps

Hi guys. I have never worked with gel coat. Can one paint it on a naked wooden hull? Or do you need to put resin on first?