The main reason I want to do it as a gelcoat type application is so it is smooth like gelcoat. I don’t particularly want the rippled roller look and would like the gloss finish of a mold casted part. Also because I don’t have a good paint booth That is dust controlled and so encasing it with a mold will keep the surface cleaner. I like the concept of Monstaliner as it is comes in many colors and wouldn’t have to do any other surface coatings if I could just apply it first. Sounds like I will just have to test it when the time comes. Most things work well as mold applied, so I am confident it will work, but was curious if you had ever tried. Thanks for your feedback!
Looking forward to hearing what happens. Magnet Paints makes a big deal about the fact that Monstaliner looks sprayed even when rolled. It's far less viscous than paint. Think chilled honey. So it holds ridges, like gesso. Maybe contact Magnet Paints if you're wanting a smooth, semi-glossy finish? They might suggest some helpful additives/thinners.
If you don't need the 40 mil thickness of Monstaliner, there are lots of other products - topside marine paint comes to mind - designed for smooth, glossy finishes. Some topside paints are also designed to be brushed rather than sprayed. Blue Water Revolution paint comes to mind (never used it).
But now we're getting pretty far beyond my area of expertise, so someone else feel free to chime in and fill out my knowledge gaps!