Building legs on red cattle

[Dozer45]

In the past when fitting my calves (Herefords) I always just pull the legs and clip. However in trying to grow as a fitter I want to learn to use ultrawhite or the Pro enhance to build the leg and add more dimension ( pros and cons or each are for another day). However I have never seen any examples of this being done on red legged calves. Is it a common practice on colored calves? or does it really only help black calves? Is it harder to make the red look realistic? 

TIA O0

 

[Mainevent]

I've seen it done on red legged calves but as you stated it can get looking fake in a hurry just as it can with black cattle the only difference in black and colored is the variation in color lightness and darkness and matching paints. If you can match paints correctly it can be easy. As far as which is better pro enhancer and white paint. I use both I pull the leg then spray white then clip and use the proenhancer to then fill in holes to build where hair is light mostly on front and back of leg. Then let dry and spray white again then continue till legs are built to your satisfaction then paint.

 

[GoWyo]

After building the legs on red cattle, use a paint that is the best match and lighter colored than the animal, then carefully follow up with a darker paint to get the blend to work.  If you start too dark and then try to lighten it with lighter colored paint it does not turn out.

 

[DiamondMCattle]

I personally prefer the weaver paints for matching reds.

 

[bim1986]

We use cinnamon pro touch from Weaver on the legs.  Blends very nicely.

 

[renegadelivestock]

practice practice practice practice. as gowyo posted start light and then darken

 

[BTDT]

As stated before, matching reds in a true art and takes a LOT of practice at home, long before show morning.
Weavers seem to have the best "reds" that when used in combination with each other, will give a good result, but again, you have to know which shades and in what order.

Once you "get experienced" at it, you can make pretty good educated guesses, but do not expect it to be a quick process.

Good luck.

 

[GoWyo]

Just start with some cardboard and paint the white and then work with the reds.  This is an easy way to experiment with the colors without having to break down leg hair.

 

[AAOK]

Don't get ahead of what needs to be done. You can't build legs unless your calves have the hair necessary for the task.

 

[Dozer45]

AAOK~

At what point to you make the call to build or not? This calf I am working with this year has the most hair of any I have shown. However its not "lived in a cooler, implant, club calf" long.