Learning to mold silicone / latex

[cletusk20]

Does anyone know of a good resource for molding tutorials for silicone and or latex? Other than some fiberglass molding I really never have tried to mold anything before?

[Dancing Fish]

Hi Cletusk20,
All the info you need is in the tailmaking threads in that section of the forum. I have also found youtube tutorials talking about the materials you need and the general process. There are several different methods of making silicone tails (individual scales, scale sheets, silicone caulk, painting material then covering with silicone, etc). Right now people seem to be moving away from latex, if that helps-- silicone is more durable. But you'll have to do this research yourself, like we all did-- nobody has yet posted an exact step-by-step tutorial with every single detail you need to know. :)

Also, a word of advice--it's going to be expensive even if you do it yourself. If there were a cheaper way to make a quality, durable silicone tail that doesn't fall apart after three swims, someone would have found it. Don't try to cut corners. Just save up, bite the bullet, and pay for the good stuff. You won't be disappointed. :)

[cletusk20]

Thanks. That's why I asked is to avoid as many mistakes as reasonably possible. I've had to fix too much fiberglass that somebody else "fixed" at my job because they took the easy route. Much better to do it right the first time.

[Dancing Fish]

Everything I needed to make my tail, I learned here. If you make a thread about your tail project, you'll get lots of help if you get stuck. The mers here are incredibly helpful. Good luck! :)

[PearlieMae]

Dancing Fish is wise. :meditation:

[Mermaid Alea]

Wow this is ironic...Okay so the two mers above who have posted: Dancing Fish & PearlieMae, both have created their own wonderful mermaid tails and both have a tailmaking topic that you definitely should read over and take notes on!

Here is Dancing Fish's tailmaking topic:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10141-Two-tailed-project!-One-fabric-one-silicone

Here is PearlieMae's tailmaking topic:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6109-PearlieMae-s-Silicone-Tail-Journey

More helpful tailmaking topics:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6947

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7921-Mermaid-Melanies-First-Silicone-Tail

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5697-Jessica-s-dragonskin-tail

Those are just some of the many helpful tailmaking threads on this site. I started a word document and basically outlined each step in the process and created headings such as: Design, Sculpting, Moulding, Silicone Pouring & Sandwiching, Painting, etc. That will help you keep all of the information that you find organized. Good luck and as Dancing Fish has said, once you get enough information to start your tail project if you run into issues there are plenty of wonderful people on here who will help you out. When you get to reading tailmaking topics you will notice a lot of the people commenting give out good advise to the person making the tail and will help them out when they get stuck. :)

[cletusk20]

Thanks, I'm still going thru a lot of how to but at least I got a better idea on what I'm going to need to do this. Hopefully I'll get a chance to experiment soon.

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