Filling bubbles in mat

[dirtydiego41]

Does anyone have a quick trick for filling air bubbles uncovered when sanding mat? Usually I do my layup and follow with mixed filler so there's nothing left to do but sand smooth, everything is monolithic. On the edges of a patch where you have to sand through most of the mat there are bubbles, usually I use formula 27 for the last lift, but even that won't press into the voids unless you finger it in then come back a second time with a squeegee.

 

[gonzo]

If there are bubbles in the laminate, it needs to be ground off and redone. It is an indication that the mat wasn't wetted properly.

 

[dirtydiego41]

In a perfect world, yes there are no bubbles. I'm talking micro bubbles 1/16-1/32" here and there, hand laid glass rolled and the whole bit, not vacuum bagged, it happens. How do I know this, because I uncover it daily, on boats that have been alive for over 20 years without falling apart. I realize you are a step above most, and I do strive for excellence, but excellence and OCD are two different beasts. I've seen some pretty pathetic repairs(that I would never approve) last and continue lasting for far longer than I would ever imagine. An air bubble here and there is no grounds for a complete redo when the laminate you are mating to has bigger voids and 10x more frequent. I was just looking for an easy fix to the dimples in the gelcoat that are a result.

 

[ondarvr]

I normally use gel coat and a squeegee right before I spray, I don't wait until it gets hard, just spray right over it.

 

[PAR]

Polyester "glazing compound" will fill the pin holes. Squirt right over after sanding smooth. It's easier to sand and smoother to apply than regular fillers.

 

[dirtydiego41]

That' what I'm talking about, thanks.