56 How To Make Fish Mounts 



(next section ) , and it is more complicated. The materials which 

 form the compound, however, are inexpensive in comparison to 

 plastics. 



The entire fish, including pectoral and ventral fins (if they 

 are folded against the body while molding ) , can be cast in this 

 pastelike medium. If the pectoral fin is to be extended away 

 from the body, it can be cast in plastic or cut and carved out of 

 a sheet of Celluloid. All the fins can be carved, if so desired, 

 out of any type of sheet plastic-like material. The tail can be 

 replaced also, but I advise against this because it is practically 



Fig. 49. King salmon produced in casting compound. 



impossible to retain the natural contours of the body where it 

 meets the tail. 



Select the side of the mold which will reproduce the show 

 side of the fish. Cut the oblong piece of plaster out of the 

 other half of the mold, saw off the tail, and chip out the fin 

 areas as described previously (Figs. 39 to 44). Shellac the 

 mold (thinned 50-50 with alcohol) until a sheen is evident. 

 Apply the wax-kerosene separator (formula No. 6 in Chapter 

 12). 



Mix the casting compound with water and molding plaster. 

 Trowel the first layer into both sides of the mold, to a depth of 

 % inch. Then cut strips of cheesecloth that will fit conveniently 



