Hybrid Neoprene and Caulking Silicone Tail for Merling

[Luna Dreamtide]

First of all: 1000th post!!

Now - I'm about to begin a new tail making project and thought I'd post it here to share everything I learn. This forum has always been so helpful when looking for information so I'm happy to help add to it if I can!

I'm making a new tail for my little sister - hybrid tail fashion. I've only made fabric tails so far so this should be interesting. I'm trying to get it done in a short amount of time too. I'll be using caulking silicone and up cycled second-hand wetsuits for the base.

I'll post my design sketch soon.

[mermaidrobynn]

That's awesome! I have a question, a lot of mers stress how important it is to wear a gas mask when working with caulk in a poorly ventilated area. But I will be working outside, so is the mask still necessary then? My dad said it is not but I do not have experience with this so I was wondering what your thoughts are on this

[Luna Dreamtide]

That's awesome! I have a question, a lot of mers stress how important it is to wear a gas mask when working with caulk in a poorly ventilated area. But I will be working outside, so is the mask still necessary then? My dad said it is not but I do not have experience with this so I was wondering what your thoughts are on this
From the other mers I've talked to, it seems wearing a mask is still a good idea. Because even if you're outside (as I will be), you will still be working in close proximity to the product and it does have a fairly strong smell. Better safe than sorry is always the way I think! :)

[mermaid mazu]

This is how I make tails. As long as you are well ventilated then there shouldn't be a need for a mask. It stinks and can burn your nose or eyes if you are closed in but that won't be an issue outdoors.

[Mermaid Momo]

I worked outside on my tail and I would still advise wearing a mask because the fumes were really bad even outside because you have to be pretty close to it (or maybe it's just me since I am near sighted, live very near sighted) and also depending on pigments you use if you use what I used glitter will be in the air everywhere. I was sneezing glitter for a few days it was that bad.

[mermaidrobynn]

Thanks for all the replies :D I'll see if I can score a decently priced mask somewhere (bc damn they're expensive)

[Luna Dreamtide]

Thanks for all the tips!
@mermaidrobyynn you could always get disposable ones as compared to an expensive respirator. I've used disposable ones with filters like a respirator that work pretty well.

@Mermaid Momo how much pigment did you use on yours?

[Luna Dreamtide]

Here's a little sketch of what I'm thinking. I haven't decided on whether to do the dorsal or not yet. I was thinking it might help hide the zipper like the Mako Mermaids' tails. Happy to hear any thoughts! :D

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[mermaid mazu]

That is very pretty!

[Vela]

Love the colors! Can't wait to see progress on this tail!!! :)

[Luna Dreamtide]

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These are the pigments I bought. Pretty small jars so I've no idea how far they'll go but i guess I'll find out!

[mermaidrobynn]

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These are the pigments I bought. Pretty small jars so I've no idea how far they'll go but i guess I'll find out!

Currently using pearlex and it didn't even take 1/4 of a jar to colour my entire base for the fluke so it'llprobably be fine

[mermaid mazu]

How do you apply these?

[Luna Dreamtide]

Currently using pearlex and it didn't even take 1/4 of a jar to colour my entire base for the fluke so it'llprobably be fine
Good to know. Should be alright then. My sister is only 12 and very small so it won't be a big tail!

@mermaid mazu I've seen a few different ways but I will be brushing my pigment on when the silicone is tacky. I've heard from others who've made similar tails that brushing off any excess pigment that didn't stick once the silicone sets is good because it can prevent the next layer from sticking properly.

[Luna Dreamtide]

Took a trip back home for a bit but I'm back and ready to get to work on this tail. Still hoping to have it finished by the end of the month for my sister's birthday - April 30th. I've begun pinning the neoprene and bought some nice sturdy needles for my sewing machine. It's only 2mm neoprene so it shouldn't have too much trouble.

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I bought these two wetsuits second hand and these will become the tail's base. I also trimmed lil' sis's Mahina fin today. i wanted to go for a different shape and a slightly smaller fluke because the Mahina has alway looked massive on her - she's quite small.

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[Celaeno]

I like how you trimmed the mahina! It's super cute!

[Luna Dreamtide]

@Celaneno thanks! I really like how it turned out.

Onto pinning neoprene now. I just made a body form of little sis this morning.
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Super keen to get into making this tail. I've been wanting to try something like this for ages!

[mermaidrobynn]

Goodluck!! I'll be stalking your progress lol

[Mermaid Wesley]

Cute! I love the colors!

[Mermaid Tuwala]

I'm really excited to see updates! Its going to look gorgeous!!
Also I was wondering if you know what kinds of silicone caulking is safe for skin?

[Rebela Hunter]

I can't wait to see the outcome of this! < 3

[mermaidrobynn]

I was curious if you made any progress ^-^

[Neerai]

Ohhh the design is SOOO beautiful!! How it's going?

[Bluna_012]

I mix my pigments into my silicone caulk and then use an icing piping bag to pipe on the silicone ,that’s always worked for me :)

[Bluna_012]

There aren’t really any other than Dragonskin but that’s not caulking. The best you can get is 100% silicone which is marine and aquarium safe but there’s still debate wether it’s safe enough to be in contact with skin. I always use it on top of a neoprene base so it’s never in contact with skin just incase 😁

[the.tattooed.mermaid78]

This is brill

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[bitsybubbles]

OK its killing me that there are no more progress photos because this is the how I want to make my first tail!!!