Casts 59 



place a fin or two and wait until they have set in position be- 

 fore working on the others. 



When the entire fish has dried thoroughly, apply a coat or 

 two of shellac (thinned 50-50 with alcohol) to every part of 

 the fish, including the back side. 



Set the eye ( see latter part of this chapter ) and paint the fish 

 ( Chapter 5 ) . Apply a coat or two of clear varnish to every part 

 of the fish. If the fish is to be placed on a plaque, insert a block 

 of wood as described earlier. 



CASTS IN PLASTICS 

 OR RESINS 



The invention of durable, synthetic material which can be 

 cast in plaster molds, without requiring intense heat to set, has 

 been the most important contribution ever made to the art of 

 fish mounting. Other ways of making fish trophies, silhouettes, 

 plaster casts, skin mounts, etc., are fun; and I like to putter 

 with them myself, but the method which produces the best re- 

 sults by far is casting the fish in synthetic or plastic-like materials 

 (see formulas No. 1 and No. 2 and Plastics and Resins in Chap- 

 ter^). 



Prepare the two-piece mold as described in the first part of 

 this chapter. 



Applying Plastic 



With a spatula apply formula No. 1. If this mixture has been 

 properly combined as directed, no excessive flowing of the 

 material should take place; that is, the material should, more or 

 less, stay where put ( Fig. 53 ) . Of course, the fin and tail areas 

 have to be covered also. Do not apply the casting mixture 

 above the edge of the impression of the fish; however, spread 

 it to include about % inch beyond the margins of the tail and 

 fins on the show side of the mold. Spread the material care- 

 fully in a thin layer over the entire impression of the fish. The 



