Yes I did use the same Gun with the 2.0 mm tip just back the volume adjuster all the way out..
As for the first coat it will be tacky not to be walked on or exposed to dust etc..Note I shot mine in one pass thick about 30mls , since its the deck and no concern about orange peel or fish eyes it should be shot one coat...Your call here ..
As for thinning the Gel it depends on the thickness of it, if you have to use Styrene very little as possible.
Note not all the glass beads will adhere to the Gel so lay on generously the rest will be swept off after curing ...Speaking from experience here ...
I always recommend to practice on a piece of plywood first its worth it....
Don't forget to Tape it off to protect from over spray, spend time on your prep work its important, the shoot is over in 15 minutes max !!!
Thanks for the kind words Guy's it was fun restoring this Boat ..I do it all over again if I have to no regrets...
As for the lights here is what she looks like today ..I change a few things around as you can see ...