How - To's

 


Using McKenzie "Extreme" Epoxy Hide Paste

McKenzie "Extreme" is formulated using the latest epoxy technology to capture extreme detail. This epoxy has been tested extensively for maximum performance.


Preparation: Mannikin and skin MUST be properly prepped as follow in order to achieve maximum detail.

Skin Preparation:

Mammals: Stretch skin back out from the shrinkage of preserving. Place flesh side on a dry towel and roll up tight to absorb as much water as possible. Repeat if skin is extremely saturated. If skin is smooth from fleshing, scuffing up a smooth, slick hide with a wire brush, wire wheel or rasp will greatly improve bonding success.

Fish & Reptiles: Blot skin side with a dry towel. It is easier to spread the paste on the manikin instead of the skin.

Earliners: Clean earliners thoroughly with acetone. Sanding, roughening-up, or even drilling holes in liners improves bonding.

Manikin Preparation:

Sand manikin thoroughly to a roughened sate in order to remove mold release agents and the slick outer skin. Air blow or brush off all the sanded particles from the manikin.

Application:

The best way to measure and mix is to dip out equal amounts of Hardener and Resin onto a flat surface and mix thoroughly. A sanded manikin absorbs a lot of the paste so use a generous amount for maximum bonding results. Spreading onto manikin with a gloved hand is the easiest way to apply. Once mixed, the pot-life of the epoxy paste will be much shorter if it is left in mass and not spread out onto manikin.

Note: Once spread onto the manikin and the skin is applied, expect a skin adjustment time of 3 to 5 hours depending on room temperature.

Tip: Use Extreme to quickly repair or alter foam ,manikins. Apply to both sides and clamp tightly until dry. Warming the paste and / or the manikin will speed up the drying time significantly.

Test the bond! Apply Extreme to the flesh side of a sizeable piece of scrap tanned or dry preserved hide and fold it in-half. Now to the same using your current paste. In 24 hours, peel skins apart and note the difference in the adhesion, film dryness, and film toughness.



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