On 10/18/01 you submitted a answer to a ? to help someone out with a paint schedule for a Wild Boar. I seen that you said Boars mouths could be a variety of colors-whitish pale to even a dusty pink. I do paint my boars mouths these colors and take your advice because YOU ARE THE BOAR EXPERT. But I got a problem with a customer. He says that I should of painted it that greyish color. But isn't that the color of a dead boar? If it is possible could you please send me the reference photos that you have?
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I do a fair amount of pigs a year, and I have had pigs specially brindle colored pigs,that have a grayish mouth and even had some that were purple nose and lips. Like somebody airbrushed them.
David,Thanks for your confidence! The closest color I have found for matching most boar mouths is FP 165 Flesh. I have a fair amount of reference to substantiate it. This however,is NOT the only color that is within an acceptable range. If a pig has intestinal parisites it may have a much more pale color inside the mouth. If it is excited it may become more reddish. A lot of boar do look real gray on the nose and lipline and some may even have a hint of lavendar or blue around the gums and teeth. It is very common for the gumline around the tusks and whets to be red or raw and irritated because they grow continuously. a small tooth on the floor of the mouth actually keeps the gumline cut away from the whet when the mouth is closed. Looking in the mirror and painting a boars mouth the same as a human is also very acceptable. Now, back to your customer. Paint it any color he wants as long as he has the money. The washed-out gray color is usually on a dead animal so paint the jawsets the way you want to for other customers and give this one guy what he wants to see. He or one of his friends may have another mount done by someone who painted it that way and now he thinks it is right. Do a good job of separating him from his money and don't worry over it. Good luck with your business.