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Using Forms & Manikins For Realistic Taxidermy Mounts |
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Author: Vin Taxidermy has come a long way since the very early days. There was once a time when taxidermists and naturalists used the original skeleton of the animal to hold its shape. Today there are a wide variety of species that taxidermy forms are available for. They've got muscles and veins molded right in, making a more realistic finish with little work.
Very few original parts of the animal are actually used. In fact, the skins and horns of deer and other animals are the only natural parts that are used. All of the other forms and parts are artificial. Fish are a completely different story. There are no natural parts at all in a taxidermy fish mount.
This is where all those measurements that you took before you started skinning the animal come in. With the right measurements, it's easy to find manikins and forms for your mounting work. If you've done a good job of cutting and skinning, these measurements will be accurate and you'll get the right size form and you'll be on your way.
Glass eyes for nearly every kind of game species are readily available and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Be sure to get the proper eye. It won't do to put bear eyes in a deer mount or duck eyes in a fish. Pay attention to this small detail. It makes a huge difference. Paying customers will notice the difference and appreciate the extra effort.
The soft tissue areas of an animal will need to be sculpted or modeled. This is an opportunity for you to show off some of that artistic talent you've got. The eyelids are usually sculpted in clay and the mouth and nose areas are generally made of epoxy or wax.
By hand sculpting these areas, you, the taxidermist, has control of the animals facial expression. Being able to create a specific snarl or other expression is a big plus and something that your clients will appreciate more than you realize.
With the skin mounted, eyes and soft tissue in place and the animal in its final pose, your work needs time to dry. Set up a special space in your work area just for this purpose. This way you can move on to the next project while the first is drying.
How long it takes to dry a mount will depend on the humidity and other conditions. A dehumidifier in the space can help the process along. Patience and experimentation will give you the best times for your area.
After your mount has dried completely, it's time to get to the finishing work. Have a few reference photos available while you're working. Typically, you'll need to paint or touch up the nose of the animal. This gives it a nice shine and even tone. Varnishing the horns or antlers is also a superb finishing touch.
Be careful not to get varnish on the fur. Finally, take some time to thoroughly brush the fur, fluff the tail and inspect your work.
Finding the right forms and eyes for your small-scale taxidermy business is a fairly simple thing. The results of using good materials will be better mounts and certainly more business for you.
Just keep an accurate record of your measurements and get the proper forms and you'll be doing professional mounts in no time.
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