Learn how to use Arrays to make a scaly effect on your objects in Curvy 3D.
Choose a Lathe as the base shape, then Mesh/Deform/Fit to Surface. Drag your scales object onto the newly created Action (in the Groups panel to make it a child of the Action) and press Y to update the effect.
Edit the yellow Location Box to fit over the scales, and again press Y to update the effect.
This will work on general non-Lathe meshes too, so long as they have UVs - but quite slowly.
Video Tutorial: https://youtu.be/A5xVd3OMvnM