: How about using gel coat epoxy for fill and finish? Many marine stores sell
: it at about half the price of structural epoxy and its suppose to have
: good UV inhibiters built in, although if I did go this route on the next
: project, I'm sure I would still varnish for additional UV protection.

Gelcoat is not epoxy, it's polyester. It should work for fill coats, though you will not get a chemical bond between layers as you will between epoxy coats that aren't fully cured. You also need to get gelcoat that contains wax, as the products that are designed for use in molds will not cure when exposed to air.

IIRC, Spidey tried polyester over epoxy and had some issues with it. Spidey, are you out there?