Redo of top cap... Is a clear gelcoat needed?

[Extra260]

I am going to redo my top cap in solid white gelcoat with a stripe or two. I am also going to redo only the stripes on the sides as the hull is already white and in good shape. Would the correct procedure be to apply the white gelcoat..sand smooth..apply the stripes..sand them smooth and then apply a clear gelcoat? the stripes are going to be a solid color. I hate to apply clear gelcoat. Is there any way around it.

Thanks for the help
Mark

[A Fn Noob]

From what Ive read, the best way to avoid yellowing of a white color, is to use white gelcoat.

Which would mean that what you need to do is tape off where the stripes go before hand, and put the white down heavy. Then pull the tape, and tape off your white, but let about 1/16" of the edges show. Do your stripes, and when you're done, wet-sand until it's all flush, and you will have a percfectly flush, crisp line.