I have mounted about 10 ducks and 4 geese. The problem I am having is getting the belly feathers to look smooth. I degrease in polytyranspar degreaser. Then put in a soulution of water bactericide/grease buster, skin prep. Then WASCO bird tan. I tumble, then mount. After mounting I use a blow dryer to dry a little more and fluff the feathers out. They always have a breal in the chest area like it does not flow evenly. any advice? Thx Eddie
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I do wire wheel the birds before degreasing...
Could be that the body is a bit too big, or the belly/breast skin are not really clean between the feather quills. Must be really clean between the quills so the feathers can move freely. Or residue could be on the feathers, the skin must be very well rinsed before tumbling. The feathers should look like fluffy clouds under the clean water surface. Many beginners tend to pull the neck /breast area too far down, causing the breast to square up, the neck to look skinny and the feathers to end up acting unnaturally. Try taxiing the skin a bit higer in the neck/breast, use caulk to lock it in posistion. I also use a little caulk in the breast area and around the side pockets to lock the quills in place.
Good Luck /BS
I know you said you use the blow dryer but, are you using it enough? Ive found that even when the feathers feel dry keep blowing drying untill the down is good and dry. You should be able to move your fingers easly through the breast are, almost like your hair. Theres more friction when your hair is wet and its easier to move your fingers through when its dry. Also the down fluffs up the feathers