Scale pockets

Could you elaborate? Are you saying that you have too much detail on blank? If this is the case maybe add layers of primer till you like the look of it.

 

Brush some tuff fin in the pitting or use some glazing putty. Both work fine. Used them on many browns and other spawning trout.

 

If you're talking about the upper back where they develop those regular indents/pits then depending on the blank, I tend to leave it. After all, that's what the fish was like when caught! Plus, upper back will not be nearly as noticeable as a lot of folks think. As long as they're regular it actually looks fine when finished...

 

I've actually filled them in with Magic Sculpt or Apoxy Sculpt if you wet it down enough. Then sand when it's set up.

 

Cecil, couldn't you just use spot putty/glaze? You know the stuff you use to fill indents on cars? I've used it before on some restores and some reps filling shallow indents. I haven't heard back from any customers so I'm assuming (lol) the putty held up!

 

I'm with Cecil only I'd use Magic Smooth.....you can really feather that stuff great........

 

I don't see why not.

 

If the blank is molded from a fresh fish I would use some mod podge thinned a bit with water to fill slightly but still leave a natural subtle depression. If the fish is molded from a skin mount, well that is another story. Shrinkage has occurred and there will need some sanding filling and recreating the natural look (in other words not a circle or oval but rather a comma or diamond shape) if your as anal as I can be.

 

MAgic smooth works good on skin mount brown with deep pockets.

 

I have at times used the stuff for sheet rock finishing. Some of dries real nice and it is dirt cheap and feathers well. As for pockets, I rarely touch them.

 

I've found that spot putty is the best stuff. It dries super fast, it's easy to spread with your finger, and easy to sand. It doesn't shrink and it looks pertty!!! You know, red!!!

 

How many of you know why this happens on some spawning male trout especialy brown trout?

 

10 years ago........http://www.taxidermy.net/forums/FishTaxiArticles/04/l/0484970A07.html

 

Rather interesting with some of the techniques. One of which Frank recommends an orbital sander. I guess I'd have a couple of questions/concerns with that approach. Maybe Frank will hop in here and clarify? Anyway, with sanding any skin mount it's been my experience to first use some sort of sanding sealer. I use a lacquer based wood sanding sealer cut with 50% lacquer. Secondly, even with sanding sealer the skin will start to "fuzz up" once you sand too much on a skin mount. It's my sign to stop sanding and re-seal. Sanding, I've only ever done by hand b/c getting to the fuzz point happens rather quickly. I'm just not so sure Frank wasn't talking about a replica vs. a skin mount? Clarification?