Post by cecil on Jan 22, 2008 20:32:48 GMT -5
Commercial Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) Paint Schedule
Note: This paint schedule is not meant to be the only way to paint a yellow perch. I have placed it here to help those just starting out, or for others that just want to see someone else's take on painting this species. Be aware they can vary somewhat in color from water body to water body, and region to region. If you are a beginner you should strive to be able to paint any species just by looking at your reference and wean yourself away from paint schedules. This may take a little time but can be learned. I hope to add full color pictures for each step sometime soon.
The yellow perch can vary in shades of golden yellow to orange on its sides. In my opinion, a large “jumbo” perch is not only one of the most beautiful freshwater fish, but one of the easiest to mount and paint. I prefer to use the quickcast or half cast method for mounting. Nothing will give you better anatomy on a panfish than using a mold as a guide. I’ve taken numerous blue ribbons on panfish using this method. I use Lifetone paints but any comparable paint like Polytranspar is fine.
Step 1.) After all the epoxy work and fin backing is completed, including whatever method you use to fill in the back gap area on the back -- if it’s a commercial mount, use a quality commercial fungicidal sealer. Don’t forget to check for popped scales or missing scales before sealing. Fix this with super glue and a heat source before sealing. I use Gary Bowen’s Super Fish Sealer in an aerosol can for convenience and apply two heavy coats.
Step 2. )Jet Black. Use this color to blend in any area of epoxy work or fin repair. Use very lightly. You can also use a dark brown if you feel it blends in better with the surrounding skin tone. Don’t worry if it isn’t a perfect match as you will be putting more color on top of this. You do not want this to look black. When applied it should look more like a light charcoaling.
Step 3.) Off White. Use this on the belly (not too high), the gill cover, and inside the mouth and any other areas of the head that require white as in very lightly behind the mandible. Don’t overdo the white. A common mistake with beginners is to use too much white. You’re not painting a fence post.
Step 4.) Iridescent Gold. Use this on the sides and top of the fish except for the fins and not on any areas painted with white. Use it moderately to heavy as a base to give the yellow perch it’s golden metallic look in conjunction with your next color.
Step 5.) Bright Yellow and Gill Red. Mix these colors until you have an extremely light orange coloration in your color cup. I use a q-tip to mix it. If you paint this color lightly it won’t appear on the fish as orange as the mix does. Paint it over areas that were painted with the iridescent gold and the epoxy work on the top of the head and bottom lip. Go easy and evenly until you get the effect you want. You should end up with a very crisp rich golden yellow with the underlying iridescent gold adding a tremendous amount. This can vary on perch, but this mix produces an attractive perch.
Step 6.) Add a very small amount of gill red to the previous mix for a brighter orange and paint the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins if needed. It is predominately on the rays of these fins. On some fish this can be almost a red. Males tend to have a brighter array of fins than females especially during spawning time in early spring.
Step 7.) Gill Red. Use this color on the gills after the mouth is packed with paper towels.
Step 8.) Jet Black - Using Jet Black again, highlight the bar pattern and darker spots if necessary. Also darken the tail and top of the back if necessary to produce a green coloration. One common mistake with beginners it to use too much black to highlight the bar pattern. I’ve seen some so dark the painter might as well have used a magic marker! That’s too much! However if you have a badly faded perch and need to pretty much do the bar pattern from scratch, go over it lightly after painting them in, with fine steel wool to add realism. (See reference)
Step 9.) Gloss with your choice of gloss coats. Apply at least two heavy coats. I use an automotive clear coat. I’ve had too much trouble with others.