I said remove the Clecos when the resin goes green (just before initial cure).
That way you save the Clecos and keep them in a jar of thinner or Acetone.
Gel Coat and I are enemies. I was told that gel coat lacked certain chemicals
but those missing compounds were in the resin. Gel Coat only fully cures when
resin is applied to the surface. Could be BS but I'm not a chemist so I don't know.
In saying that I've seen Gel Coat stay tacky when applied to an already cured surface.
There is a coating for what you need but the name escapes me now. I'll check with
my supplier later this morning. I don't work with Polyester resins anymore but if the splice
is a good fit, grind the surface and use a filler you can mix yourself. Buy some Microballoons
from a composite supply store. That works.