Had the same question just today. We have a slate blue 2007 Pilot and was wondering if it was the color of the gel coat or was Awlgripped since we were getting the hullsides detailed and specifically asked whether it was Awlgrip and if so they need to use Awlcare. Well they detailed it using a light compound and a wax, so will see. I called boatbottompaint.com, an Awlgrip dealer, and had a good article on their website. It said if you scratch the surface, if the color stays the same thru the depth of the scratch, then it is gel coat. If it turns white underneath the color than it is painted. Going to look for a scratch on our boat as I'm sure there is one somewhere. Hope this helps.