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Wax as a Filler??????

Discussion in 'Fish Taxidermy' started by MassTaximan, Mar 9, 2013.

  1. Mar 9, 2013 #1
    MassTaximan

    MassTaximan New Member

    26
    6
    Massachusetts
    Started restoring an old 60lb skin mounted Atlantic cod today. The paint on the head, around the eyes and throat are had cracked in these areas specifically. After stripping the paint and gloss coat it appears these areas were all rebuilt with wax. Has anyone ever seen this? There is a lot in the rebuilt areas but it appears sound. My question can I keep it and seal repaint or will these areas continue to crack?? Any suggestions would be Greatly appreciated.
     
  3. Mar 9, 2013 #2
    Old Fart

    Old Fart Active Member

    4,947
    6
    Minnesota
    Wax was a common method for rebuilding fish, even up into the 70's. The wax was usually sealed with shellac and painted over. It's been a while since I've encountered a wax job, but I think I'd try to remove the wax with a heat gun and rebuild the areas with epoxy.
     

  5. Mar 9, 2013 #3
    FishArt

    FishArt Well-Known Member

    10,594
    1,072
    Illinois
    I wasn't around in da business back then. But, I've done a few restores where wax was used. One restore the guy used wax on the fins to rebuild or reinforce or whatever. What a PAIN IN THE ARSE to deal with! It's a pain to get everything off. Or to get something to grab if you leave it. If it were me, I'd leave the wax alone if you can - assuming you can seal or shellac it over the wax and get it to grab. I don't think they expected us folks in the future to be restoring these guys. But, if the wax still looks okay, I wouldn't mess with it. You'll create a lot of work for yourself. JMO...
     
  6. Mar 9, 2013 #4
    MassTaximan

    MassTaximan New Member

    26
    6
    Massachusetts
    Seems fine the paint just seemed to crack in these areas. Not sure how long it took after originally mounted it took to start cracking or it was due to temp changes or maybe the skin wasn't totally dry but if you thing the paint won't immediately crack I'll leave some of the areas with the wax. Some areas I will remove and rebuild with epoxie.
     
  7. Mar 9, 2013 #5
    Pescado

    Pescado Biggest in 2011

    2,671
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    I think we got waxed the first week of Nov.
     
  8. Mar 9, 2013 #6
    Perca

    Perca Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]
     
  9. Mar 9, 2013 #7
    gasman1

    gasman1 The Big One Almost Got Away

    706
    0
    N.C
    we used wax back in the old days, around eyes also used wood wool and joint compound to build body's.
     
  10. Mar 9, 2013 #8
    MassTaximan

    MassTaximan New Member

    26
    6
    Massachusetts
    If I prime it good will the paint crack again? What would have caused that?
     
  11. Mar 9, 2013 #9
    M.T.

    M.T. Active Member

    3,778
    15
    Paul hit the nail on the head!
     
  12. Mar 9, 2013 #10
    Old Fart

    Old Fart Active Member

    4,947
    6
    Minnesota
    Your problem with the paint cracking is most likely due to the wax softening up when it warms up. I have seen a few that actually "sagged" when exposed to too much heat.
     
  13. Mar 11, 2013 #11
    B Jones

    B Jones Memeber of - NTA,UTA,AIT.Proud Member of NZTA.

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    Cicero Indiana
    OBAMA