Backing fins on a 360 mount

[big J]

how many of you back the pictoral fin and the pelvic fin on a 360 pedestal mount, or do you just put the fin glueon , i know the Tail, Dorsal, and the Anal fins, won't get backing but the other 2 fins i'am not sure.

[CrabCrazy]

i never seen a 360 with backing...people use fin magic,fin backing cream or other stuff to protect and coat the fins

[TMALONE]

no backing needed

[big J]

Thanks Guys didn't know if they backed them or not

[John C]

Why not back it? I do. always have even on competition mounts.

[Cole]

It depends on the fin. I would rather see a backed fin than a ratty torn up fin.

As for coating with Fin Magic, I wouldn't suggest that.

[7-Point]

I'm doing a 360 bass right now and I backed all the fins. I used silkspan and mod podge and had no problem.

[CrabCrazy]

i can't see leaving a fin natural...too brittle and break easy...i tried the film used in overhead projectors....slapped them on with weidwood contact cement and let them dry and press with an iron...the film is so thin it takes on the shape and rays of the fin...thats how i did it years ago...today i would still coat the fins with something...i just use modge podge

[Cecil]

I always thought the idea was to use a specimen that had perfect fins and needed no backing. That said, I have repaired fins that were a little less than perfect but did it so no repair work was evident. I've used small bits of silkspan in for tiny repairs but tore the edges of the silkspan so they disappeared: also I modeled back in rays etc. with a sculpting compound.

Personally I can't imagine obviously backing fins on a competition mount as it was frowned upon back in the day in the shows I competed in. Perhaps things have changed?

[Cole]

I always thought the idea was to use a specimen that had perfect fins and needed no backing.

You have to work with what people bring you. Most of the time that isn't a perfect specimen. As for competing, If you choose to back fins make sure it can't be seen.

[M.T.]

Holy CHIT! Is that you Cecil? Been a while, hasn't it? Great to hear from ya!

[3bears]

Do most cast fins for comp?

[Cole]

Do most cast fins for comp?

I don't know if most do or not. I do, but you can also rebuild them.

[Pescado]

You need to read Clark's article in the issue previous to the latest one, in Breakthrough magazine. He goes into great depth in this very subject.

 I have backed my fins on every competition mount that I have done. With the lens tissue and proper application one would need a magnifying glass to detect the backing.

 Paul B

 Good to see your input again Cecil .

[Cecil]

You have to work with what people bring you. Most of the time that isn't a perfect specimen. As for competing, If you choose to back fins make sure it can't be seen.

Well of course you have to work with what people bring in but I was referring to competition. 

In retrospect I thought the poster was referring to competition fish, but not necessarily as I went back to read it. My bad!