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How do you properly protect your screw inserts on the board before applying a layer of fiberglass or carbon cloth? Every solution tot his problem I have used so far has come out pretty messy.

What have you tried so far? I would love to hear what does not work, and what challenges you hard with each approach.

I use the 6mm ones that have a plastic cover that you drill through after layup....works perfect. Before I got these I filled inserts with candle wax and no problem just a little picking after.

I've filled them up with flour packing it in tightly before laying out and laminating the fiberglass. Then drill them out carefully with an oversized drill bit or countersink bit just to remove the fiberglass. The flour can then be blown out of the inserts. Never have done carbon so I don't know what would work there.

Fill with candle wax

My problem is that I'm covering the board with carbon. How do I find the holes to drill them out if I just fill with wax?

I've tried jewelry beads, or plastic screws. The results leave a big mess to grind away.

Drop in a small ball bearing, cover with wax.
You can find the ball bearing with a magnet if you use SS316 inserts.
Drill out the laminate and use the same magnet to remove the ball bearing.

I never have had a problem finding the holes under carbon. The surface shows a dip over the hole. If somehow yours come out too flush, you can use lighting from the side to help, or you can wipe the area with alcohol and watch it evaporate. Usually it will evaporate at a different rate over the hardware/holes. Knowing where they are in the first place helps to. Bright lighting from a low angle is easy to try....

You can make/use a template for drilling holes for inserts, than reuse the template for finding inserts.

Another trick is to put the board in the freezer or outside if its winter. Then in warmth the condensation will show where the inserts are.