3 



Casts 



The cast or mount is reproduced from the plaster mold. Fishes 

 can be cast satisfactorily in four mediums: plaster of Paris, wax, 

 casting compound, and synthetic or plastic materials. I do not 

 advise the use of latex or other rubber-like substances for mounts 

 or casts that are to be permanent. Within a few years the rubber 

 hardens and cracks, and the paint begins to peel from it. 



PREPARING THE MOLD 

 FOR CASTING 



If one side of the mold was cracked during transit or other- 

 wise damaged so that it is no longer one rigid piece, repair it 

 in this manner. Place the two halves together with the damaged 

 side facing up. Check to see that the halves fit together snugly. 

 Sponge water onto the area about the crack or cracks. This is 

 necessary— otherwise the dry mold will suck out moisture from 

 the new plaster applied and results will be unsatisfactory. Mix 

 a pan of plaster and dip pieces of tow, sisal fiber, or excelsior 

 in it. Apply these "hunks" of plaster-fiber liberally over the 

 cracked or broken surface. Do not disturb the mold until the 

 plaster used in repair is completelv set. Of course, a one-piece 

 mold can be repaired by using the same techniques. 



Usually, a one-piece mold is used for casting fishes in plaster. 

 Wax casts can be reproduced from a one- or two-piece mold, 



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