One or two top coat: EC "Pattern Coat Hi-Gloss - Tough, High Gloss Finish for Composite (Fibreglass) Patterns".
I'd like to get a matt finish and am hoping to obtain this through not completely buffing up the top coat after sanding. Will have to wait and see which looks best. Optionally I could apply an automotive 2 part coat but due to the size of the desk it has to be made in situ so if I can do without it would mean I don't have to invest in spray painting equipment.
My concerns are with the heat resistance of the resin (think of hot mugs and solder dropping where it shouldn't). My understanding is that the Polyester resin should be hard enough to prevent easy scratching. A heat resistant hard resin seems hard to find.
I noticed that some model plane builders mix acetone into the resin to thin it. My thinking is that this would help in levelling the applied resin which would reduce the need for excessive sanding.