What Mold To Make?(individual scale tail)

[Becoming_A_Mermaid]

I am planning on making my own individual scale silicone tail!(Super excited!!) I've been doing research but I am not sure what I should use to mold all my scales, fluke, and fins...... Does any one have any advice? I've heard about plaster and fiberglass but i want to be sure that im not going to waste money on the wrong molding materials!
Also im planning on having texturized scales(I don't know if that will make a difference for what I use)

[Mermaid Lieke]

Don't use plaster for texturized scales. The texture will fade over time. I would recommend resin or shell shock.

[Dancing Fish]

I've used Bondo fiberglass resin and smooth-cast resin. The smooth on stuff is way more expensive but also quicker to cure, and way less stinky! Also my Bondo resin mold gives me more of a matte finish whereas the smooth cast mold has a shinier finish. (Not that if matters if you'll be painting your pieces after.)

Also lots of folks sculpt with expensive monster clay, but I use cheap Michaels brand plastilina. Easier to work with. :)

[Becoming_A_Mermaid]

do you just use the bondo or do you have a base layer of something else? I've read so many things saying to use a different layer of something else and then i will find something else saying not to!
Also if i plan to pigment the dragonskin before it goes into the mold then will it turn out matte? and if i cover those all with a coat of dragonskin will that make them more glossy??
im sorry for all the question but thank you both so much for the help!!!!!

[Dancing Fish]

Just Bondo. You can lay woven fiberglass matts for added strength for a really large mold. I did that for mine, though I'm not sure it was necessary. And yes, you can add pigment powder (not liquid) directly to the silicone. Enough pigment will render it opaque. And yes, a slime coat will make it glossy for awhile, but silicone attracts dirt and pet hair like woah, so it won't stay glossy forever. :)

[Becoming_A_Mermaid]

Just Bondo. You can lay woven fiberglass matts for added strength for a really large mold. I did that for mine, though I'm not sure it was necessary. And yes, you can add pigment powder (not liquid) directly to the silicone. Enough pigment will render it opaque. And yes, a slime coat will make it glossy for awhile, but silicone attracts dirt and pet hair like woah, so it won't stay glossy forever. :)

Can you reuse the clay that has touched the bondo? or should it be disposed of?

[Dancing Fish]

I did reuse the clay I used with the Smooth Cast, but the clay exposed to Bondo stank to high heaven so I discarded it.