You can finish a wooden fish using gesso.
Gesso is a versatile product that is a powdered, chalk-like form of calcium carbonate. It was originally used as a primer or sealer for wood back in the 1500s. It allowed artists to make their surface smooth and ready to work with. Today, it can be used to fill and patch wood, as a primer, or to make specific textures and designs on wood without wood carving. If you are decorating a wooden piece, such as a wooden fish, and are looking for an easy way to finish your fish, gesso maybe the choice for you.
Instructions
1. Clean your wooden fish and allow it to dry thoroughly. This will ensure a proper surface for the gesso to adhere to.
2. Cover the work surface with newspaper to protect it. Gesso can get messy and newspaper can protect any surface you do not wish to ruin.
3. Mix the gesso well by thoroughly shaking the container. Gesso can be purchased at art or craft supply stores. As of May 2010, an 8 oz. bottle of gesso costs around $8. For a small wood-carved fish, one 8 oz. bottle will be enough. If your project is very large, you may new additional bottles.
4. Apply the gesso to your wooden fish. Use a flat-sided trowel for best results. You can also use an inexpensive sponge brush or any other type of brush you would like that is safe for water-based paints, if you prefer.
5. Allow your first coat of gesso to dry. Once it is dry, apply a second coat in the same manner as the first.
6. Use the serrated edge of the trowel to make patterns on your fish. You can also use other tools to make specific designs. For example, you could use the handle of a small paint brush to draw scales or other details on the fish. If you prefer, you can press the gesso with molds or cloth to create details.
7. Allow the gesso to dry completely.
8. Paint over top of your dried gesso fish using stains, glazes, or spray-on paints to finish your fish.
