All Of These Tutorials on YouTube Silicone Tails and No answers Please Help

[Sarafin]

As much as I appreciate all of the videos that are out there on making a silicone mermaid tail I have found that there are little bits and pieces missing as to the steps of making a silicone mermaid tail leaving me with many questions, So I thought I'd come here to the professionals for help :) I apologize in advance for all of the questions, I am very new at this and still learning. I have a dream of making my own silicone mermaid tail and would love to post pictures on here and a video tutorial to help other mermaids realize their dreams as well but 1st there are some gaps here to fill in that I just can't quite figure out?...

From what I have gathered you need to use foam to make a scale sheet, then using a plywood fixture you pour the silicone on top of the scale sheet but

1) what do you do after this?
2) How does it "cure" ?
3)What do I do with a mold release and what type of mold release do I buy?

Next I see that you then take the silicone scales you've made and glue it together,

1) With what type of glue? Or do you use latex? If so what kind?

and "pin" it to a dummy (this part I've pretty much understood as far as the dummy making is concerned)

For the Bottom part of the fin near the monofin you use a molding clay like monster clay or permoplast clay that you mold around the monofin and cardboard cutout that you have cut into the shape you'd like for the bottom part of your fin. Several different questions come to mind here.

1) Do you mold the clay around the top , bottom and sides of the monofin and cardboard cut out?

2) What do you do afterwards?

3)Do you let it dry?

4)Do you put latex or silicone on top of that?

5)How do you paint it?

6)Do you leave the cardboard there?

Finally you attach the top part of the tail and the bottom part together. How?! I haven't seen any tutorials or videos or explanations on this and I'm sorry but I am just completely lost in world of youtube nonsense lol. I really hope someone can help me and make my dream come true of making my own silicone mermaid tail. Thank you so much <3

[Ashe]

I myself have yet to make a silicone tail, but looking through the Tailmaking Reference Index (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2633-%26%239734%3B%26%239888%3BTAILMAKING-REFERENCE-INDEX%26%239888%3B%26%239734%3B-Look-here-BEFORE-you-post-any-questions!) has helped quite a bit. Just scroll down and you'll see many threads about mers' attempts at silicone. If there are any further questions, we have some wonderful tailmakers who may answer your individual questions.

The community has yet to have a full, in depth tutorial on how to make silicone tails without all of the excess and information and commentary (unless there is one I do not know of, in that case somebody please bring it to light!) . A lot of the tail making process is trial and error!
Good luck!

[Sarafin]

Kalani, Thank you :) I hope someday there will be a full in depth tutorial as it will be very helpful I'm sure to many mermaids wanting to make a silicone tail. In the meantime I will continue to deepsea dive the Index for these hidden treasures :pearl:

[Keiris]

Hi Serafin and Welcome! I think most of us who have made silicone tails have combed through the tail making threads as Kalani said, very thoroughly, to get a clear understanding how the process works and adapted it for individual needs. Firstly, you have to decide if you want silicone or latex as you CAN NOT mix the two. Ever. You don't necessarily need a heavy plywood mold box either. I used a rollable hard plastic for the base to glue the foam scales on, built very light weight walls out of foam core and poured my mold material into that. Pearlie and a couple others have a completely different process for their silicone tails as far as the scales are concerned, and do them individually. It's a lot of info to sift through but very informative once you have cross referenced different people's journeys in the tail making thread. Don't let it overwhelm you. If you are a good artist your patience will pay off! Good Luck!

[Mermaid Kassandra]

If I'm not wrong there was a mermaid here that was trying to make a video tutorial with a bit of all explanations but I can't remember who was and if she finished it.

[Sarafin]

Thank you so much! That bit about the mold box was very helpful I appreciate it so much! If I were to do a latex tail which types of latex do you suggest using? Can you pour liquid latex over a foam scale mold? If you do wouldn't the latex get stuck on the foam pieces?

[Merman_Shawn]

Thank you so much! That bit about the mold box was very helpful I appreciate it so much! If I were to do a latex tail which types of latex do you suggest using? Can you pour liquid latex over a foam scale mold? If you do wouldn't the latex get stuck on the foam pieces?

You seem to be confused. You don't mold with latex, you cast with it. You make molds out of certain plasters, resins, or liquid plastics.

[Sarafin]

I have found this amazing 13 year old Mermaid's explanation on silicone Mermaid tails to be the best yet! So detailed I was very impressed and she definitely helped answer a lot of my questions. It still leaves some questions unanswered about the bottom part of the fin such as the molding aspect of it and attaching the scales but hopefully I can find that on here too. This site has been very helpful and I'm so happy to find a community full of mermaids it makes my heart smile :rainbow: Thank you all so much

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?6947-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Turtorial

[Sarafin]

You seem to be confused. You don't mold with latex, you cast with it. You make molds out of certain plasters, resins, or liquid plastics.

Yes Shawn I am very confused lol. I do apologize if I am not wording things properly, that is why I am asking questions. I will probably be studying this for a long time until I actually take the plunge in making my first silicone tail, however I am enjoying learning. So would I say for example pour shell shock over the foam scales then let that dry peel that off and put latex on top of that?

[Merman_Shawn]

Yes Shawn I am very confused lol. I do apologize if I am not wording things properly, that is why I am asking questions. I will probably be studying this for a long time until I actually take the plunge in making my first silicone tail, however I am enjoying learning. So would I say for example pour shell shock over the foam scales then let that dry peel that off and put latex on top of that?

Exactly!
Just read, read, read! Once you've absorbed more information, then ask away! You're learning a trade-skill after all, so it's going to take a while to understand everything. Like everyone has said, there is a wealth of information on this forum, you just have to dig for it.

[Sarafin]

Thanks for the advice Shawn I will keep looking into it :)

[Triton-Mahtlinnie]

On the subject of latex, if you do make a tail out of latex as opposed to Silicone, you need to use a high quality slip-casting latex. (as opposed to the cheaper liquid latex you can often find at costume stores.)

I recommend either Monster Makers (http://www.monstermakers.com/product/RD407-Mask-Latex-for-Halloween-Masks-and-Props.html) latex, or Burman Industries (http://www.burmanfoam.com/casting/latex-accessories/slip-cast-rubber-1-gal.html).

[Mermaid Kelda]

Here's Rogue Siren's silicone tail tutorial: http://www.instructables.com/id/Silicone-Mermaid-Tail/
And a latex tutorial: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Latex-Mermaid-Tail/

[Theobromine]

I think the reason there isn't really a One Tutorial To Rule Them All (though Rogue Siren's recent one is pretty darn good) is that there are as many different tailmaking methods as there are mermaids. There are certain things you can or can't do (like you can't use latex if you're working with silicone, as latex permanently inhibits the cure of silicone), but people are constantly testing and developing new methods for these projects. Also, keep in mind that pretty much all of these molding and casting techniques are borrowed from the special effects industry. Instead of restricting your searches to just "mermaid tail tutorials", you might want to research general basic molding and casting tutorials. There are MANY different materials and methods you can use to make molds and to cast things in those molds, and there are many tutorials out there that cover these basics. The Smooth-on website even has a bunch of video tutorials that you can check out. There is no one single way to do anything, so I encourage you to just do all the research you can and find what works best for you :)

The VERY basic overview is that you need to first create a positive (a clay fin sculpture, a scale sheet made of either foam circles or sculpted clay). You then need to create a mold wall around this (either by using a wood box, or clay walls) so that you can pour your chosen mold material around the positive to create a negative (the mold). Once the mold is cured (how this works will vary depending on what material you choose to make the mold from), you can turn it over and clean it out, and there you have your mold. Once you have the mold (negative) you can cast your silicone into it (pour it in and let it cure). Once the silicone is cured you can pull it out of the mold, and voila! You have a positive that you've cast in silicone!

My BIGGEST recommendation is to start out SMALL. Test out some different molding and casting methods with little projects so that you can get a feel for the process. Also, mistakes almost invariably happen, and all of these materials are expensive, so it's better to make those mistakes on smaller, less expensive projects. Then when you feel comfortable working with the materials, you'll be much better equipped to handle a full tail. Trust me on that ;)

[Sarafin]

On the subject of latex, if you do make a tail out of latex as opposed to Silicone, you need to use a high quality slip-casting latex. (as opposed to the cheaper liquid latex you can often find at costume stores.)

I recommend either Monster Makers (http://www.monstermakers.com/product/RD407-Mask-Latex-for-Halloween-Masks-and-Props.html) latex, or Burman Industries (http://www.burmanfoam.com/casting/latex-accessories/slip-cast-rubber-1-gal.html).


Thank you so much this was the most helpful answer regarding that yet, I appreciate you taking the time to let me know and sharing your knowledge :) thank you

[Sarafin]

I think the reason there isn't really a One Tutorial To Rule Them All (though Rogue Siren's recent one is pretty darn good) is that there are as many different tailmaking methods as there are mermaids. There are certain things you can or can't do (like you can't use latex if you're working with silicone, as latex permanently inhibits the cure of silicone), but people are constantly testing and developing new methods for these projects. Also, keep in mind that pretty much all of these molding and casting techniques are borrowed from the special effects industry. Instead of restricting your searches to just "mermaid tail tutorials", you might want to research general basic molding and casting tutorials. There are MANY different materials and methods you can use to make molds and to cast things in those molds, and there are many tutorials out there that cover these basics. The Smooth-on website even has a bunch of video tutorials that you can check out. There is no one single way to do anything, so I encourage you to just do all the research you can and find what works best for you :)

The VERY basic overview is that you need to first create a positive (a clay fin sculpture, a scale sheet made of either foam circles or sculpted clay). You then need to create a mold wall around this (either by using a wood box, or clay walls) so that you can pour your chosen mold material around the positive to create a negative (the mold). Once the mold is cured (how this works will vary depending on what material you choose to make the mold from), you can turn it over and clean it out, and there you have your mold. Once you have the mold (negative) you can cast your silicone into it (pour it in and let it cure). Once the silicone is cured you can pull it out of the mold, and voila! You have a positive that you've cast in silicone!

My BIGGEST recommendation is to start out SMALL. Test out some different molding and casting methods with little projects so that you can get a feel for the process. Also, mistakes almost invariably happen, and all of these materials are expensive, so it's better to make those mistakes on smaller, less expensive projects. Then when you feel comfortable working with the materials, you'll be much better equipped to handle a full tail. Trust me on that ;)


Thank you so much you're amazing! I love the idea of small samples, I think I may try a small mini figurine type tail first just to get the hang of it , I love that these ideas were taken from the special effects industry. I have many friends in California that are makeup artists, models and actresses who have shown me many things and now I know where to ask my questions as well. This was very enlightening thank you again for taking the time to respond I appreciate it :hug:

[Sarafin]

Here's Rogue Siren's silicone tail tutorial: http://www.instructables.com/id/Silicone-Mermaid-Tail/
And a latex tutorial: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Latex-Mermaid-Tail/


Thank you this was very detailed with the pictures and inspiring ;)

[MermaidBrandie]

I went directly to a smooth on store (Reynolds advanced materials) and asked directly. They're super helpful and know their stuff.

Yes start small! Whether latex or silicone, start small! I practiced with starfish and seashells when I first got started and while I'm still not yet working on my tail, through my business I'm getting better and better so that by the time I do make it, it will hopefully be perfect.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

[Theobromine]

^^That's pretty much exactly how I did it, CoyoteWalker, although I went to TAP Plastics instead of Reynolds cuz we don't have one of those here. Specialty stores are always your best bet and the employees there have a lot more experience and knowledge.

Sarafin, I can't even tell you how much my skills have improved over the course of my silicone adventures! Well actually, maybe I can. My skills have improved a lot over the course of my silicone adventures! Especially my painting skills. I was already pretty decent at sculpting, having done it for most of my life just for fun, but the silicone itself takes some getting used to, and it's especially tricky to hand-paint with. I can't afford an airbrush right now so I've just been relying on hand-painting, but I'm actually really glad I've had the chance to hone my skills as much as I have, and I hope I can continue to improve. Starting out small really really helped, and you can probably see the progression if you check my tailmaking thread. In my case, I started out making little stingrays just because I thought they'd be cute (and because I've always loved sculpting animals), so I ended up with a bunch of cute silicone stingrays, and eventually a bunch of other critters as well....and painting tiny details on little animals really challenges your painting abilities, haha. I started doing this over a year ago and I'm only just now starting to put my actual tail together, and I'm actually really glad I waited and didn't just jump straight into it. Take it from me, you will be SO much happier with the final results if you take it slow and start out small.

[MermaidBrandie]

I adore your stingrays.

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[Theobromine]

Thanks :blush:

[Mermaid Keena]

Hi! I know I'm a bit late but I've been following this youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOyH5isADjY She is making her first tail and has done videos step by step =D It's made me feel I could actually give it a go too! haha There's 10 videos and it doesn't turn out "perfect" but thats expected because its her first ever try - the only drama at the end is her trying to paint it and the paint didnt cure properly. (also she didn't figure out how to stick the fluke to her monofin - until after trying. But she tells you what she would try the next time =D

I'm actually excited =D now to try and find stockists in Western Australia hahahaha

[Theobromine]

I've seen those videos. Yes, it's definitely a doable project but please do what she didn't do and test test test on small projects before actually starting on a full tail! You can avoid a lot of mistakes that way and your final project will look and feel much more refined. It's great that she's helped inspire you to feel confident in making your own tail! But if you're going to invest in such a big expensive project, doing small tests first will benefit you greatly in the long run, and may help you avoid larger more expensive mistakes during the tailmaking process. Just an fyi :)

[Theobromine]

Oh yeah, and a couple specific comments on that video series--I didn't watch all the videos straight through, but at one point I think she recommends using acrylic paints to color the silicone instead of Pearlex or silicone pigments. Wellll....technically you CAN do that, but it's not the greatest way. I've experimented with acrylic paints a little, when I had four days to make a Twi'lek cosplay for Comicon last spring and needed to make lekku FAST. I had an acrylic paint in the correct shade of blue and it didn't inhibit the cure of the silicone, but it DID change the texture to a noticeable degree. It made it feel a lot softer and gummier than normal cured dragonskin. This wasn't a huge deal for me as I was just putting a couple thin layers of dragonskin over spandex and then sewing it up into the lekku shape, but the surface texture felt tacky enough (fully cured aka no residue left on my fingers after touching it, just a very gummy tacky feeling) that I had to powder the whole thing with cornstarch so it didn't stick to everything and pick up every single cat hair in the apartment. So...worked fine for a quick cosplay but I would not recommend it for a mermaid tail which needs to be much more durable. I also suspect that was why her attempt at doing detail painting didn't work out in the end. Acrylic paint is not as concentrated as the special silicone pigments and thus you need to use a lot more of it to get the same color effect. If you use TOO much of it (especially if you're also diluting the silicone with a solvent for painting) then it CAN prevent the silicone from curing all the way. And trust me, uncured or half-cured gummy silicone paint rubbing off everywhere is the exact opposite of fun.

[PearlieMae]

The water in acrylic paint gets encapsulated in the silicone and isn't released to evaporate...thus the gummy feeling...and the added bonus of staining everything you brush up against.

There are so many resources here on Mernetwork...you just have to do the digging! Be glad you don't have to slog out to a library, old school!

[Theobromine]

*derp* Of course that's why, now I feel silly I didn't think of that. :P Anyhoo...yeah. Not recommended for anything that needs to be durable.

[Wandering_Nightwind]

I've been having the same issue. I plan on making a tail next year, and since I like researching projects way before I start if i have bno idea how to do it. I decided to do the idividual scale method, and have found a lot of tutorials on making the scales, fins, and fluke, but nothing past pinning them to the dummy to get the colors to match. Can anybody help me out/

[Mermaid Keena]

wow sorry I didn't get the notification for some reason =D I was planning on doing small moulds of the scale sheet to test first, so I can test the easiest way to mould so I can get the most detail. BUT that wont be happening for a while as I'm still researching. Also I still need to find somewhere to source my materials for the moulding and the silicon. So definitely not rushing =D Also in relation to the acrylic paints, I'd already found out that its not the best way haha yay for watching and reading BULK tutorials!!

But thank you heaps for your help, every suggestion will be noted =D xx

[Theobromine]

Oh, weird, I didn't either until just now.

Honestly, the best way to figure out things like logistics of putting things together is to just test stuff yourself until you figure out a way that works best for you. Test, practice, develop your own method. There really is no one single "right" way to do this.