When you look at a transitioned fade on a boat you are seeing gel coat that was sprayed in a pattern in a certain sequence.

Gel coat is a clear resin. To put glitter in a boat, the glitter is added to this clear resin and sprayed as the first thing that will go into the boat mold. The amount of glitter can be varied from very dense to achieve a solid visual effect of whatever color that glitter is, or the glitter can be less dense to leave gaps of clear that will show what is under the first layer of spraying.

The most popular color of glitter is "prismatic" This color is also known of as "alpha jewels" In lower light this glitter will appear to be silver, and in higher light this glitter will be refractive and appear to be changing color as it catches and throws different light colors of the spectrum. It will sometimes appear to be a collection of colors thrown together until you rotate the boat to see the appearance of refraction changing much like a disco ball would.

To achieve a solid color, pigment is added to this clear resin to achieve whatever color is desired.

Most spray-ups comprise of a glitter suspended in clear backed up by pigmented resin.

Here are some examples. Remember that a photograph on the web will not show the colors properly ESPECALLY PRISMATIC

 The boat example on the left would be described as "medium density prismatic over white." The example on the right would be described of as "medium density prismatic over black"

 

  This spray would be described of as "high density prismatic"

Often the look of medium and low density prismatic over black can be more dramatic than higher density, although high density does have its appeal in high light. It can be almost blinding.

 

Here are more color examples, browse these to get an idea what you are looking for and see more pictures of different color examples.