Also, what are you making. if you are fiberglassing over something, finishing resin is great. if you are making a part, it will come out rubbery. A "real" resin like West Systems should be used for that. as to the "thick", resin, steve hit it on the head, lay down the cloth and pour, spatula on the resin and squeegee it off. A playing card will work real well. If you are hyper concerned about weight. roll some tissue across to absorb excess resin. I have never needed to cut down finishing resin. Just 5 minute epoxy.

DJ