Fin carding system problems.

[Bender]

   Hi everybody,
                     Im posting from little ol' Tasmania. I recently bought the WASCO Fin Carding System (wire mesh backing and plastic sheet). I have only used it on a couple of fish but have noticed that the system leaves unsightly blotches on the fins that I find  impossible to remove. I have since scrubbed the mesh and plastic with Acetone but still get the circular blotches on the fins,  I then have to paint with opaque color which spoils the transparent look of the fin.
                     Ive looked on the forum but cant find reference to a similar problem with carding system. Id be grateful if any of you talented folk  out there can give me some tips on how to fix this. Any help much appreciated,
                                                                           thanks   Bender.

[TMALONE]

Instead of the wire mesh I use waxed cardboard on back of fins and clear plastic on top.  Some fins you can get away with the mesh stuff but any that are thick or fatty in anyway will have the depressions left by the mesh.

[M.T.]

I actually use cereal box cardboard. Unwaxed, it lets the fin dry quick and does a super job.  If there is any cardboard residue on the fin when you take it off, just a little water on your finger will wipe it right off. There are other tricks to using it, but that comes with a little trial and error, it works great for me. If ou need a little heavier material for the tail fin, then cut up the borax box.

[George Roof]

It's the galvanized rat wire doing the damage.  There are many options to use instead, but I still prefer the wire as it allows me to shape and contort the fin where cardboard won't.  I use a thin sheet of cardboard in between the wire and the fin and don't have those problems.  Like T Malone, I use waxed cardboard to prevent the slime of the fins from being absorbed into the cardboard and then damaging the fin when I try to remove it.

[Bender]

  Thanks for your suggestions guys. I used to use cardboard but then changed to the mesh system as I figured the mesh would allow the fin to "breath" and dry quicker, also as you mentioned George it enables the fin to be contorted. For those reasons I shall continue using the system(plus the fact that ive already bought it !!) Gonna go with what you suggested George which sounds a good compromise ; I'll put a piece of waxed cardboard (from milk carton) sandwiched between the fin n the mesh, problem solved 
                             thanks again guys, great forum
                                                                  John.