Anyone With Experience Using Acrylic Clear Gesso? [View all]

This isn't so much a question about art as materials.

I do small-scale aircraft models, and want to display one on a base that has at least a passing resemblance to the surface of calm, open water. It's not a large area needed, about six inches in diameter at most. It isn't worth getting quantities of clear casting resin, and some clear acrylic medium or other seems a possibility, at least, for building up such a surface.

Does the gesso hold its shape? If the surface is given an uneven character when it's applied, will the gesso hold this, or will it level itself as it dries?

About how long would it take for the stuff to dry if thickly applied (perhaps an eighth of an inch)?

How clear is the gesso sold as clear?

Thank you for your time.