Filling bubbles in mat

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

That' what I'm talking about, thanks.