Fish Mounts 101
The difference between modern methods of taxidermy and taxidermy of years past is fiberglass replicas, as apposed to skin mount fish. With today’s anglers focusing on catch and release, fiberglass replicas have really benefited everyone especially the fish. By harvesting one fish we can duplicate that fish hundreds of times without having to harvest another fish. There are many benefits to replicas as apposed to skin mounts. Replicas are lighter, more detailed and can be displayed outside without fearing the elements.
The process begins with a fish and a sandbox. Before laying the fish in the sandbox , it must be rinsed and cleaned of all slime and particles attached to the outside of the fish. The fins are removed to be molded separately. A trench is dug in the sandbox in order to crate a specific pose for the mount. The fish is then placed in that trench and covered around the perimeter until only one side is exposed. The fish is then cleaned again and the exposed area is dried in order for the material to get a clean impression. A sealer coat is then sprayed on the entire side of the fish to stop any moisture from coming through and disturbing the molding materials. A mold release is applied so the molding materials will separate cleanly from the fish when dried. A coat of gel coat is applied over the entire surface. Polyester resin and fiberglass matt in several layers are applied for strength. The mold is flipped over and the process repeated. The mold is then split apart and the fish is removed and discarded, then the mold is cleaned and dried. Two coats of mold release wax are applied and buffed in order to assure the fiberglass part will be removed from the mold easily. As in making the mold, a coat of gel coat is applied to both sides of the mold and completed with one to two layers of fiberglass. After both halves are cured, they are bonded together with a mixture of polyester resin and chopped fiberglass. The seam material is dried, the two halves of the mold are separated, and the raw mount is ready for finishing. A finisher cuts off and grinds the excess seam, and a layer of plastic filler is applied to cover any air bubbles or scratches left by the grinder. A glass eye is inserted into the socket with the same plastic filler, and the fins are then shaped and inserted into the fin joints with plastic filler. The mouth is created by inserting a cardboard backing and covered with plastic filler or a combination of resin and talc powder. If the species requires teeth, they are inserted while the mouth material is wet and the gums are brushed to give it a natural look. After a finish coat of primer is applied, the fish goes to the paint department where the artist reviews the customer’s pictures and mixes his paints according to the color of the fish. Several coats of lacquer are layered over each other in order to match the color of the fish to the customer’s picture perfectly. Once the fish is complete, a finish coat of clear urethane is applied. This will give the fish a glossy finish and protect the colors from the elements if the customer chooses to mount it outside. |
|
|
