I will be mounting a mink soon for competition and have a few questions that I didn't get exact answers to in the archives. I bought a detailed jawset from Research Mannikins but it seems to me like it should have more color...I guess I wouldn't have this problem if I had adequate reference:) I have a vauge idea how to highlight the gumline a little bit but what about the upper pallete? Is it just flesh tone?
My next question is about the ears. I don't like clay methods...period! I don't like the results. I'm too indecisive to use 2-part apoxie...once it's dry it's dry. I don't have the freedom to adjust it very long. I did briefly read about injecting the ears with preserve-its in the archives...does this work? Do the ears need to split and if so, does the cartilage need to be removed? Should I try to fabricate my own earliners?
Lastly, when a mink is walking, is the tail touching the ground or is it slightly raised? I assume it's raised but I just want to make sure.
Thanks,
Chip W
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All I can say about the jawset is that if you don't have reference, you can look at a dead mink to get an idea. It will not be exactly the same color as a live one, but close. As far as the ears, the Preservz-It will not work for a comp. piece. I would not even use that method for a commercial piece. For comp., you need to split the ears, remove the cartilage, and use a good earliner. You might have to make your own earliner. You can research that in the archives. Hope I've helped.