74 How To Make Fish Mounts 



the ends of the fin rays too smooth; cut into them a bit in order 

 to produce a more effective, natural appearance. 



Use a file to go over the seam where the halves of the cast 

 come together ( Fig. 69). It may be necessary to add plastic to 

 the crevices in the seam. A heavy mix of molding plaster and 

 water may be used instead of plastic. Also, use plaster to fill 

 in all the pin holes and to repair any other imperfections in the 

 cast. Another method is to use silver paste and liquid that is 

 standard for painting radiators. Mix just enough liquid with the 

 paste to facilitate its application over the cast by rubbing with 

 the fingers. In this manner all the tiny defects will be filled in. 

 File and sand the areas repaired in plastic. With a pointed tool 

 or small fine file accentuate any lines in the cast necessary; lines 

 between the jaws, end of the gill cover, nostrils, etc. 



With a drill, cut through the cast in the area where the base 

 of the pectoral and ventral fins will be located ( Fig. 71 ) . Also, 

 drill out material from the spot which is to receive the artificial 

 eye. Make the hollow large enough to accommodate the glass 

 eye with room to spare because a substance such as plastic or 

 wax has to be inserted first to hold the eye. 



Fins 



If the fins have been preserved and as yet not molded, see 

 Molding the Fins in Chapter 2. When the molds of the fins 

 are dried, chisel or dig out the plaster adjacent to the base of 

 the fins on both sides of the mold (Figs. 26 and 28). In this 

 way provision is made for an extension at the base of the cast 

 fin for use when attaching the fins to the body. Shellac and 

 apply separator (same as body mold) before casting. 



To cast the fins (Figs. 73 to 76), use formula No. 1 (do not 

 include asbestos) found in Chapter 12. Spread the substance 

 into both halves of the mold and cover only the impression of 

 the fins. Now place the halves together and apply steady pres- 

 sure so that the mold halves slowlv come together (Fig. 75). 

 Do not press so strongly that no space remains between the 

 halves. On the other hand, do not leave too much width be- 



