How to Apply Enamel to a Fish Sculpture

If you are a trophy fisherman that wants to keep your trophy, and eat it too, then you can use a mounted clay fish sculpture to tell your "fish" stories. But making your own fish sculpture with self drying clay requires that you protect it and prepare it for the final painted details.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dried clay fish sculpture
• Clear coat enamel spray paint
• Scrap cardboard or newspaper

1. Place the dried clay trout sculpture on your work area. This board should be placed on a Lazy Susan so that it can be easily turned and manipulated as you spray on the enamel.

2. Shake your can of clear coat enamel preparing it for painting.

3. Spray the paint at a scrap piece of cardboard or newspaper to ensure that clear enamel paint is flowing freely through the nozzle.

4. Use short, steady strokes to spray the enamel on the clay sculpture. Make sure that you do not miss any areas of clay. Check carefully under the fins, and in any areas that you have carved out.

5. Dry the enamel for 30 minutes, then add a second coat. Let this coat dry for 24 hours before continuing with your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Once complete, tip your can of clear enamel upside down and spray it at your piece of scrap cardboard or newspaper. This helps clear the nozzle so that it won't become clogged.
• Spray enamel can be a dangerous substance and must be used in a well ventilated area.