Hi all,

I've searched the forum and found similar topics but cant find the answer I'm looking for. If anyone has any suggestions that would be great.

Essentially I am looking to re-coat the hull of a carbon kayak. I have patched cracks in the boat before successfully in a few areas using EasyComposites materials and epoxy resin but the hull (and the repairs) are getting a bit tired from use. The epoxy of the patches is yellowing and the hull is going white and a bit powdery ( I'm assuming both due to UV?). I have also re-seamed the two halves (with Kevlar tape and gel coat) and they are holding well and resisting the UV much better than the epoxy resins. So I would like to cut back and re-coat over the hull and patches entirely. I know people have done this in the past with Epoxy Resin and release film with varying success but my question is this...

Can I clear gel coat the hull, and if so what gel should I use to do this that is clear and also UV resistant?

I know that gel coat is usually applied to a mold before layup to give the A Surface finish and protection, and that gel coat can be repaired and cut back in small patches to a good finish. But can a larger area be successfully coated and polished up out of a mold?
N.B. My reasoning for looking at Gel Coat over Epoxy Resin is I believe it is slightly more flexible and forgiving (better for a boat/kayak) and can have better UV stability, but please correct me and point me in the right direction if I am wrong. 

Thanks In advance!

Sam