Dying/Painting vs different colored fabric (Fabric Tail)

[Ayame]

Hey guys! I'll be starting on my tail in the next few months, and figured I'd ask and see if anyone has any suggestions about colors. My tail has 4 colors (White, black, orange and a kind of blood orange. A green for extra bits, but I'm going to use fabric for that)
I have experience sewing markings and patterns on costumes, but would dying or paints work good for a fabric tail, or should I sew the patterns on? And if paint or dye, what kind of swimwear fabric would hold the color the best? I plan on making the tail have two layers, an under layer of thin wetsuit material, and the visible part of the tail. I also will probably make scales and sew those in, if that would change anything.
Here's a picture of the tail as reference:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=39335&d=1477000496

I appreciate the help! <3

[Meemerdd]

Well, I don't think anyone has tried dying their tails before, many mers have had loads of success with paint. It depends on paint but most people use neoprene to keep it from chipping. Little Orca has some really helpful YouTube videos about it if that helps!

[courtneymermaid]

All of my tails are fabric, painted tails (with the exception of my spandex practice tails which) and I have a lot of tutorials available on MermaidSchool.ca where I show step by step videos on how to paint, what paints I use, what fabric I use and all that good stuff. Good luck!

Awesome tail design by the way, I look forward to seeing the outcome!

[Nerdmaid Faith]

That looks like such a cool design! Good luck with the painting!

[Ayame]

Thanks for all the great info!! I also started thinking about using shell-shapped sequins as well, like https://www.etsy.com/listing/257496202/white-sequins-sea-shell-12x14mm-100-pcs

I'll be sure to check out those tutorials! Thank you again <3