To apply most types of soil, sand, or grit to foam bases, there is a very simple technique. First, sand the base to create a rough surface. This is done to ensure good contact between the adhesive and base. Next mix up polyester resin and catalyst in container. Apply it to the base surface with a paint brush. Once the base has been fully painted with the resin, take the soil in your hand and scatter on base. There is no need to be picky about the quantity of dirt placed on the base, only the dirt that actually comes in contact with the resin will stick. Let this set for a few minutes, then turn over the base so that the excess dirt will fall off. Turn base upright, apply more soil material and let dry. After it has dried shake off any excess dirt. To apply artificial plants with stems to base all you need to do is drill a hole in the base, clip the stem so it will set down into the hole at the proper depth. Mix up either an amount of bondo or fiberglass resin, fill the hole you have drilled with this material for stem. Push stem down into hole, move plant into its proper position. Let dry. To apply moss type materials to bases you just need to do three simple steps. To put wood pieces onto foam bases you can do one of two things. You can trim foam so wood will set down on the bottom of the base and use wood screws through the bottom of base into the wood. You can also apply bondo mixture to the bottom and let dry.
Fragile hides such as Fox and Antelope slip easily for 3 reasons: The ideal situation for tanning a fragile skin would be to: Mix up the following pickle: Leave the raw, quick-fleshed skin in this solution overnight. Remove the skin and shave it. Next, rinse thoroughly in 1oz of baking soda per gallon of water. Tumble the skin in hardwood sawdust or towel dry until the skin is in a damp, dry state. Heat Liqua-Tan by immersing a quart bottle in a plastic container filled with hot water. Using a paint brush, paint skin with warm Liqua-Tan. If you wish to leave the cartilage in the ears, reverse ears, and paint Liqua-Tan on the fur side of the cartilage to ensure good penetration. After applying Liqua-Tan to the hair side of the ears, invert them back to the skin side. Roll the hide up and leave it at room temperature for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, then freeze or mount immediately. Hints:
Liqua-Tan can be used many different ways. The following is a simple, yet effective method that we have used with success: Note: This whole operation should be done at room temperature for best results. There is virtually no shrinkage with Liqua-Tan therefore reducing the need for pins, etc. Liqua-Tan allows good stretchability and no hair slippage if done using the method we have described.
Liqua Tan is a complete and permanent tan that is fast drying and compatible with paste. It has excellent stretch and sets hair immediately. There is no oily mess, and it is easy to use and reduces shrinkage to almost zero. Liqua Tan can be applied and mounted the same day. A terrific tanning product that is used by many leading taxidermists. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use Liqua-Tan. Liqua Tan Instructions
