Step 1 Once the proper mannikin has been selected, lay the skin on the mounting cradle and towel dry the inside. Next, lightly sand the mannikin for good adhesion.

Step 2 Fill both cheeks and the brain cavity with Jim Hall Mache.

Step 3 Apply a thin coat of a good quality hide glue or Fin Backing Cream to the fish skin. Use a two inch paint brush to spread the glue or cream on the skin.

Step 4 If there was an incision made in the throat area, staple this skin to the first gill using a hand stapler.

Step 5 Insert the fish into the skin. The tip of the mannikin should slide all the way up to the center of the eye cavity. (If you prefer to leave the bones in the head it may be necessary to remove the tip of the mannikin. Keep in mind that this is not recommended.)

Step 6 Once the mannikin is in place, pull the skin together at the soft dorsal fin and anal fin. Make sure the fins fit into the fin detail on the mannikin and staple.

Step 7 Align the collar bones on the fish with the collar bone slots on the mannikin, then staple. Next, adjust the seam together all the way down the fish and staple as you go. Make sure the skin is aligned preoperly on the entire fish.

Step 8 At this point, insert a 3 1/2" upholstery pin through the roof of the mouth into the mannikin for additional support. Install the eye sockets or Flex Eyes before mache sets.