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Post by tetaxidermy on Apr 28, 2008 17:57:50 GMT -5
I want to make my gills look full and real, don't like the reproduction ones. Can I use apoxie sculpt to rebuild? Thanks
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mrs
Spike
Posts: 52
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Post by mrs on Apr 28, 2008 21:30:16 GMT -5
I would not advise trying to rebuild real gills with A.S. I can offer two suggestions. The first was described at a Michigan Taxidermy seminar by a world class fish artist (Rick Krane). He uses plastic needlepoint canvas as the base material cut to gill shape(4 per side). He applies A.S. as a thin layer and then "combs" in the gill filament pattern with a stiff brush. After the epoxy kicks he paints them red. The layers of 4 can be stapled to the front of the form (when artificial heads are used) or glued into place on real heads. The method I have used that produces very realistic gills is to use XL red chenille strips ( Can be purchased at hobby/craft stores). The chenille strips are laid on a strip of wood or sheet of wax paper and brushed flat down with a heavy coat of Modge Podge. The chenille strips are then lifted and turned over. They are brushed with Modge Podge again, and then hung to dry. The Modge Podge dries clear so the red shows. The wire of chenille can then be cut to proper length and bent to the proper gill arch curve. Several can be stapled to the front of the form(artificial head) or glued in (real head). They are very fast and easy to make and they look very realistic. Good luck.
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Post by cecil on Apr 29, 2008 18:57:38 GMT -5
For commerical work where I use the real gills painting them is enough for me and my customers. That is unless I raise my prices another 5 dollars an inch. If the fish mount is anatomcially correct and the paint job is excellent the customer won't even notice the gills have shrunk up a little. ;D
Do you get my drift?
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Post by tetaxidermy on May 1, 2008 7:38:18 GMT -5
I understand thanks
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