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December 4, 2015
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Hello everyone! I hope this is the right section to ask these questions. I decided to learn how to make a fish replica ive watched several videos on youtube so i kinda have a general idea but im still needing help. I purchased a clown knife fish mold since im in the aquarium hobby and I like tropical/exotic fish. I also chose the clown knife because of the more simple color gray/silver/black.
My questions are:
Where do you get the supplies from? I dont want to buy the wrong stuff so if anyone can give me a list of the items that i need and where to get them would be great and much appreciated. If there is already a thread like this im sorry.
What type of paint and where to buy it.
Thanks!
September 26, 2011
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If I understand your question correctly,you have purchased a mold and want to pull a cast from it.
You will need a mold release. Wax release will work fine(like carnauba wax), as long as you buff between coats. I like three coats of mold release .
I am a fan of part all paste and PVA form my mold release.You can buy these online, just do a search.
You will need to use a good gel coat to capture the detail.You can buy polyester based white gel coat from Wasco/McKenzie, or online.
You will also fiberglass and resin to strengthen the gel coat . You can buy this from hardware stores, walmart etc. I like the bondo brand polyester resin and a relatively ” soft” fiberglass matte.
You will also need brushes,mixing containers, gloves, etc.
Everyone has a different method and list of supplies for casting blanks.
As far as paint, I would use lifetone and polytranspar lacquer form McKenzie .
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May 6, 2012
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Tyler, from your post, it sounds like you want to cast from a mold. If correct, than Aaron offered a good staring point. It is important to apply PVA ,” Poly Vinyl Alcohol” after you wax your mold. It is also called Parting Film. This is very important to keep your gel coat separated from your waxed mold. It is also a must for using Wax Free Gel Coat. Do not use gel coat with wax! your fiberglass layup will not stick. Wax free gel coat without a PVA barrier will not cure tack free because it is air inhibited. Bondo thinned with resin, is not Gel Coat!
