FAQ Latex and Silicone Tails
EDIT: This is an OLD thread with outdated info. We know now that alex plus is TOXIC.
I thought it would be good to start trying to accumulate our collective knowledge on tail making, any links we know that exist of it, related videos of either tutorials or showing the making of + result, and frequently asked questions and answers. Once we have lots of stuff going and linked on this thread, we can index it to be part of the main tail making article on the mernetwork page! I feel like there's a LOT of info out there, but I can appreciate that people find it hard to sift through.
So feel free to post anything you want, even if it's just a question you don't have an answer for. Maybe someone else will, or will at least have a few ideas going. I cant find all the links for everything I want, I know Captain nemo had some great threads on tail making topics, so please, drop links, drop video links, everything you can find. This isnt everything I know or know of either, just getting us started- it would take too long to do it all in one shot for me XD
Frequent questions I get asked that I can answer
Which is better: Silicone or Latex?
It depends on the mermaid/man and what they plan on using it for. Latex is cheaper, but some are allergic to it and it may not last as long. Silicone really boosts the realistic effect but can be super expensive and temperamental to work with.
Where can I buy mermaid tails?
www.mermaidtails.net is an ongoing index of all the tail makers known I also suggest checking ebay and amazon as well as mernetwork classifieds
Which Mermaids are Professionals?
www.mermaidtales.net is also an ongoing index of professional mermaids
Can you swim in your tail?
Most tails are swimmable unless they are specific Halloween or Cosplay costumes that have an opening in the end. Even those can be used in the right way for underwater photographs. A tail that is made for swimming doesn't have to be used for swimming- and most swimming tails can't be walked around in.
What can I do about my issues with a monofin?
Many people complain about the uncomfortableness of a monofin. You can try a few solutions like getting a different strap, taking the strap off totally, or neoprene booties. Some tail makers will make custom monofin or foot pockets, you may even be able to commission someone to specifically make you a monofin or you may want to consider trying to make one yourself.
Ive heard a lot of people talk about using Alex plus to make tails.
Yup, you can use alex plus, a caulk made up of silicone and latex. It can be pigmented, or you can paint right on top of it with acrylic based paints. It is cheap but will likely only last a year or so with continued use. One of the drawbacks of alex plus is that after continued use it'll turn white, it deteriorates quickly, can distort the buoyancy of your tail, and can pose some health risks. It takes a VERY long time to cure as well. That does not mean you cant use it wisely though. Read these links for more information specific to Alex plus:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...for-Tails-quot
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthre...sing-Alex-PLus
http://issuu.com/t_obrecht/docs/tail...w&pageNumber=1 (click here for an article written by Shelly about Alex Plus)
There are also many threads in the "tail making" section of the forum that document people's progress, mistakes, methods, and triumphs using Alex plus. Be sure to check there.
Can Silicone be painted?
generally no, it must be pigmented meaning the paint you use must be mixed with the silicone and either sprayed on or painted on
Do I need an airbrush to paint my tail?
It's nice for certain effects, but you can do just as well with painting by hand
What Kind of Fabric can I use to Make a tail?
the ideal fabric is neoprene (note, not neoprin) or swimsuit material as these materials are designed to be used in the water. That being said, many have experimented with different fabrics you can see in the tail making forum. Some people sew sequins, some paint scales directly on with screen painting ink, some cover in latex or silicone first- the choices are endless.
Do I need a monofin?
Monofins make it easier to swim generally, but if you can make it work without one, go for it.
What Kind of Paint can I use?
I recommend either pure pigments (variety of brands) that can be mixed with silicone or latex, or speedball ink that can be painted on. You can also use createx but it's known for needing many layers and for its chipping.
How expensive is it to make a tail?
Fabric tails can generally be made for under 100$ the really fancy ones for under 2-300$ including the monofin.
Latex can generally be made for under 500$
silicone tends to vary between 1000-3500$ depending on the materials, monofin, and moulding/casting stuff
What are moulds?
Moulds are generally wooden boxes in which a pattern made out of something (clay, seeds, plastic, foam etc) sits. Latex or silicone is then poured into the mould and left to cure. Some people make moulds using plaster and some still will make them directly from a person's body.
What's the best way to measure for a mermaid tail?
The best way seems to be to either get a mould of yourself, or draw a pattern right around your body. Many people will measure their length from belly button to floor, considering the circumference of areas like the hips, thighs, knees and ankles. Some will do this same thing but measure the circumference down every 2-3 inches all the way. There doesn't seem to be a fool proof method, and frequent measuring problems result in baggy knees, or ankles, and shorter or higher waists. Something to consider is that fabric (neoprene) vs solid latex or silicone will bend and fold in different ways. Some are flatter, some are not. For instance, my latex tail never seemed to collect behind my knees very often, but my silicone will- because my silicone tail is more solid and water can't flow through it the way it could flow through my latex. Some bunching is totally normal. You must understand, photos where there are no bunching generally require very specific poses, or are photoshopped. There are tails that fit people like a glove, but even the most talented tail makers have trouble making tails fit perfectly. In the movie splash, the mermaid actress actually had her legs shrink wrapped to prevent wrinkles and was glued right into the tail
My fluke keeps filling up with air or water, what can I do?
If your fluke is mostly solid, add some drainage holes to allow the water and air to pass through. If it's not solid, you can either add velcro at the end so you can empty the water/allow drainage and let the inside of your tail air dry, or you can glue it down. Most hardware silicone will stick to the monofin and the inside of the tail, it doesnt matter if you choose an ugly colour so long as it is quick drying. It wont be seen! You'll want to however cover the seam of wherever you've gotten inside your tail to put this stuff in, with whatever your tail is made out of, and a clear version of that.
How can I hide my knees or heals?
The only way people seem to be able to do this is by adding extra fins to the back of the knees and heals- there doesnt seem to be a specific measurement format to avoid this. You also dont want it too tight because you NEED to bend. Many models and mermaids work hard to train themselves to keep their toes pointed to avoid ankle/heal bumps, and their legs straight to avoid the knees!
Originally Posted by Spindrift
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