- 1). Clean the wooden fish with a sponge and one part mild detergent to four parts warm water. Rinse and let dry at least 15 minutes.
- 2). Rub 120 grit sandpaper over the entire wooden fish to remove rough spots and create a smooth finish. Wipe the tack cloth over the fish to remove dust particles left behind from the sanding.
- 3). Lay a section of drop cloth on top of the table so that dripped or spilled paint will not splash on the table itself. If you are working on the floor, place a drop cloth on the floor around the area you are working.
- 4). Remove the lid of the first paint can with a metal paint can opener and stir the paint with a wood stir stick until the paint is well mixed. Pour the paint into a paint tray, and fill the tray about halfway with paint. Dip a clean brush halfway up the bristles to avoid getting paint on the metal part of the brush and on your hand.
- 5). Determine where you will start painting the fish. The head will require smaller brushes due to the narrow area. The body can be painted with thicker brushes.
- 6). Apply the paint in a sweeping motion to avoid runs and bubbles in the paint. If you are overlapping colors, wait until the first color is dry before adding the second color. Let the entire first coat of paint dry as suggested on the paint can before adding a second coat, if needed.
- 7). Areas of the fish with minimal paint or visible defects can be painted a second time. Paint the second coat the same way as the first coat. Allow the second coat to dry the same amount of time as the first coat.
- 8). Protect the fish from water stains and scratches by applying clear varnish after the second coat of paint dries. Use a new brush to apply varnish straight from the can as directed by the instructions, or use a spray varnish. Let the varnish dry at least 24 hours.
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