Almost compted my silicone tail!!!

[Mahi Mermaid]

So I've been working on my own silicone tail and am happy to say that it's almost completed! Here are some pictures of my progress so far!

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Currently, my second scale sheet and fluke are curing.

If you have questions on what steps I've taken, please ask! Materials/Steps I used are listed below:

-Printer paper/pencil for fluke sketch (outlined my Finis Wave) if you fold the paper in half after drawing a side, then take it to the window and trace the other half to get it perfect
-MonsterMakers Clay (only used 5 lbs for both fluke and scales, fluke first, then scales after) I absolutely love this stuff, totally recommend
-Clay Pasta machine (to flatten the clay and make scales uniform thickness....but doesn't make it perfect since the clay going through the machine seems to get stretched out) I don't recommend the one I got, it was from Michaels
-Plaster of Paris--I was really nervous to use it since my test on my scales snapped in half, but went through with it anyways. Didn't get one bubble!! My technique included sifting powder into water and then rubbing onto the clay with my fingers (I love to feel my work vs. the proper way of using gloves) plus it helps me feel any lumps and lets me properly "massage" mold. I think this was key to everything! Also don't pull the plaster from the clay, turn it over( I did the fluke alone, but had help with the scale sheet) then pull the clay away (mine was so easy to get out, it came out in one giant piece, only small portions got stuck but no tools, no cleaning, nada!)
-Tulle--It's what I had laying around, could use a number of things, I used it to strengthen the plaster (fluke and scales) after the second layer of "massaging" with a third final plaster layer on top
-Petroleum Jelly from Rite Aid (purchased two, only used one and a quarter for both fluke/scale), it comes in a squeeze tube and is really soft so I just put some into a small container and then put a blow dryer on it to melt (melts fast) and then painted thin layers over the dried plaster
-Washed molds with soap and water (seemed to get soaked up by plaster) (random soap, one was just gain and I think the other was one just in my bathroom so no specific soap needed) and a loofa!
-Sprayed a sealer I got from Smooth On (wasn't sure of this step but was nervous about the petroleum jelly inhibiting the curing so took this step anyways)
-Sprayed Ease Release also from Smooth On
-3 containers, two small, one large for measuring. I labeled 3 wooden mixing sticks (A, B, and Mix)
-Mixed silicone added Pearl Ex pigment into part B and poured!
-I used a plastic clay tool to spread the silicone into the right areas. Was using one of the wooden paint sticks from Home Depot at first but it didn't work very well.
-I also added nude mesh to one of the scale sheets and both of the fluke sides, but realized that it most definitely takes away all stretch! So I didn't put it on the scale sheet that's curing now. I'm going to put the one that does have it on the back to help if I ever tear it from sitting down/scooting on concrete by the pool.

I'm trying to think of what else I've done, but I think that about covers it!

[Theobromine]

Looks great! I love your fluke sculpt! What colors are you going to paint it?

[Mahi Mermaid]

Thank you! Designing and sculpting the fluke was definitely my favorite part of all this!

As for painting--I'm not sure yet. I love every color, but can't seem to get the right shade of any. Hand painting with pigmented silicone proves to be much more difficult than I had anticipated. I'm going to check on other colors, and possibly an airbrush to get the deeper more vibrant colors.

[AnnaAbyss]

Wow this is super good! Looks like a lot of hard work involved. I especially like your scales and fluke sculpt! And hey, thanks for explaining how you found the Plaster of Paris to work with making a full tail. I've used it before with making small doll tail molds but it was too fragile. I rage quitted so many times! Hahaha. Monster Makers clay is awesome though. -Tail high five- :D

[Mahi Mermaid]

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Progress!

Seaming the tail was very difficult, I kept thinking it was the right size, would seam it, and then when I tried it on, it would be too baggy...so did this about 4 times and now it's just right!

Next, I turned it inside out and reinforced with more silicone from the inside (also trimmed some excess scales).

Scales have been attached to fluke and I just got done trying on the whole tail and....it doesn't fit! I must have put too much scale on the fluke because now the tail (that fit perfectly) only comes up to right above my pelvic area, and also bunches down by the ankles in the front.

So I took the two pieces apart again, and did some more trimming and then tried it on again, and during this 10 minute or so wearing of the tail, I realized my monofin realllly hurt my feet. It was pressing them inward as if I was pigeon toed. I have a Finis Wave....so I decided to just go ahead and order another bigger monofin, (Finis Foil) and will tear apart my fluke, re silicone the new monofin in and then work on attaching the scales to the fluke.

Anyone have trouble with the tail becoming too short after attaching the body to the fluke? Ways around this???

[Laureen French Mermaid]

I love fin. Good job.
I made a clay mold to make a latex mermaid tail but mold was too fragile and broke .

[Cheydub]

Awe thats pretty though!