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How To Prepare a Matt Thompson Fiberglass Fish Blank


  1. Matt Thompson Reproduction Fish come with a small flashing extending out of the parting line. This can be easily trimmed with a pair of heavy shears.

  2. A knife works well on the tops and sides, but the shears will be better for the fins.

  3. Once the flashing is shaved back, use a rotary tool with a Kutzall drum to bring the flashing down to the mold line. For the tight places, such as the base of the fins, use a cone-shaped bit.

  4. A small round and flat file will do well to further clean around the fins. Sand the flashing with sandpaper of about 80 grit to knock off all of the small burrs.

  5. Grind out the interior of the mouth. Don't go below the lip line of the fish. Sand mouth interior.

  6. Grind out the eye socket to match the size eye you want to use. Install the eye with a small amount of epoxy putty or Bondo.

  7. Cut the fins out with scissors, using a rotary tool to shape the edges. Taper the back side of the fin to give the thinnest appearance possible.

  8. Grind the areas that are to recieve the fins so there is a neat and flush fit. Use Bondo to attach the fins. Cut away the excess before it hardens completely.

  9. Use Bondo or an automotive body filler to finish out the seams. Smooth along the seams, the entire length of the fish, top and bottom.

  10. Wait about 15 minutes before coming back over the Bondo with 80 grit sandpaper and start smoothing it down. As the shape nears completion, go to a finer grit (150 or 200).

  11. Using a toothpick, draw putty up from the base of the lip line to simulate or make artificial teeth.

  12. A coat of Polytranspar fiberglass primer can then be applied over the fish blank and any further pinholes plugged. Allow the primer to dry overnight. Your fish is now ready to paint.



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