Last night i was putting a third coat of finish on the winding check/trim band area. I had already put on two light coats and everything looked good. I got everything bubble free and smooth and walked off to have a beer. When I came back I noticed a large bubble had formed and popped right at the curve of the winding check transition. No worries I thought and as the epoxy was still flowable I filled the hole. I noticed no trapped are or anything and a short time later I came back to the void there again. I'm not sure if my attempt to fill the void simply went over the hole, not in it, and then the epoxy sank into the void or if maybe the first 2 coats didn't seal the winding check area and the epoxy was wicking into the reel seat. It shouldn't have as I inspected and fit the check pretty well.

To any extent this morning I found myself with a beautiful finish and a void, on the show side of course. I was going to use a small syringe to try and fill the void while still leaving room for any trapped air to push out. Is there any better way? Hopefully i can fill the void and it not look like I fill the void.

This sounds like silicone contamination, otherwise known as the plague to rod building. The winding check has silicone on it and epoxy finish will not stick to silicone. It is also called a fish eye. To avoid this in the future clean your hands and components really well before you get started. We like the 3M orange cleaner.

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

I've had this happen before too, mine formed in the inside of the hook keeper. I just waited for everything to dry, sliced out the problem area (popped bubble in my case), cleaned the area real good and applied another coat of epoxy. I did babysit it for about 30 minutes but it cMe out looking like nothing ever happened. I wouldn't fret too much over it, it can definitely be fixed.

The #1 culprit of silicone contamination is medical syringes with rubber plungers. Our syringes are silicone free

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Thanks for all the replies guys. It was honestly boggling my mind how i was able to continue to put finish into the void and it would disappear as if I never placed any in there. I'll work out the kinks tonight.