Hey guys,
Thought I'd share my technique for scales. It works well for me because I don't tend to put the scales on the top if there are scales on the sides. I bought some scale material (used in this pic) but also use cut up shower body puffs. You can get them at the dollar store.
What I have done is made a lure holder using a CD spindle and then stacked and glued the foam rings that come with spindles of CDs to protect the finish. I have place the mesh in a sewing circle (actually oval) and kept it a little loose so it can wrap around the bait.
Here is a thread that I posted to show how I do it...