Help! I don't understand the whole "sculpt your scales"-thing!

[StellaTheSiren]

Hi there!

This may be a TOTAL noob question, but I just can't find the answer anywhere!
I'm starting my own silicone mermaid tail and I started out using this tutorial: http://www.instructables.com/id/Silicone-Mermaid-Tail/

Now, in this tutorial, it says I have to sculpt my individual scales by:
- sculpting them out of Monster Clay;
- making a mold for them using polyester resin that can be poured to make a mold;
- then duplicate them by pouring the silicone into the mold I've created.

My problem with this isn't the amount of work, but the question: "How on earth would I securely attach all those scales to each other!?".
Now I've seen a lot of people work with a mold box and lots of little foam circles. While this looks good, I'd like to really get a scale-shape. So I'm wondering: how can I make a prettily sculpted scale, into a mold box?

One thing I'm considering is:
- build a mold completely out of clay
- make two or three custom-sculpted scales (out of what? It has to be hard, so not the soft clay. But if I make a resin mold for scales, and I pour more resin into it to make a "hard" version of the scale, wouldn't it adhere itself to the first mold?)
- then press the custom-sculpted scales into the clay to get the desired pattern...
- then pour... silicone onto it? Or the fiberglass resin so that I have made a SECOND mold that I can re-use, and then pour the silicone onto that mold?

Gosh, I'm seeing stars... Help is appreciated very much!:(

[Mermaid_Izzy]

You make a your scales:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170422/460e30a950ed15edc1b806d43887e00c.jpg

Make a mold: I would recommend making a lot of smaller molds because the bigger they are the easier they are to break. That is with plaster of course. And I would also lay the clay scales on top of the plaster or make sure none of it will get underneath them. They are a pain to clean out if it happens.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170422/717061abf65d9b3a071c00c5f3a51e26.jpg

Once you have your molds you can pigment your silicone and pour the scales (I wish I could find more pictures on my phone)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170422/bb99b56ef43e23c70729179da6c85db6.jpg

Once you have your scales you will attach them to a fabric called power mesh. I got mine online from Micheal's; it was about $14.00 a yard. I needed two yards because I am on the fluffier, but it was more than enough.

If you need any clarification just ask. I am on a school trip, so if I don't answer someone else might and PearlieMae is the person to talk to for all you need to know about individual scales. She helped answer some of my questions.


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[StellaTheSiren]

Oh my gosh, so helpful, thank you so much Izzy!

Two more questions:
- how thick should the scales be? The thinner, the better I'd say, as long as they're not translucent...?
- how do I attach the scales to the power mesh?

Thanks a million!!

[Mermaid_Izzy]

Through trial and error, I found that the best thickness for your scales is about 2mm or less (the little marks on a centimeter ruler are millimeters, if you didn't know)

And you use more silicone as a glue.

You'll need a duct tape dummy of your body. Which you'll need someone to wrap plastic wrap around you and then wrap duct tape around that. You'll then cut yourself out and stuff it with something (scarfs, tee-shirts, plastic bags, etc.)

Also, you need to sew the powermesh into a "glove" got your legs. Like a fabric tail. You going to want it there to slightly be wiggle room, so there is room for the silicone. On the inside to secure the scales.

Once you have this, slide the power mesh "glove" onto the duct tape dummy. You then take the scales and apply a small amount of silicone to the back of the scale (I use a spoon). Then place it on the power mesh and pin it into place.

Once the silicone cures they will stay put. Once you have all the scales on and before you attach your fluke, turn the power mesh and with scales attached and coat the inside with a layer of silicone to seal everything.


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[Mermaid Fenicia]

If you want to make your tail in Dragonskin, never use ducktape, but packing tape (cheaper, no smell and cleaner) ;)

[Mermaid_Izzy]

If you want to make your tail in Dragonskin, never use ducktape, but packing tape (cheaper, no smell and cleaner) ;)

Thanks for the great tip! I will definitely remember that next time!


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[StellaTheSiren]

Thanks SO much Izzy and Fenicia!
Whew, this is going to be so difficult! Scales of 2 mm thin, that's almost nothing! But I guess it would make them really pretty and it would make the tail not quite as heavy.
One more question, what do you guys use to make sure the clay doesn't stick to the silicone and stuff? I heard you can mix dish soap with water and just mist the scales before making the mold, but I've also ordered a bottle of some kind of spray. What have you guys used?

[Mermaid Lieke]

I use a releasing spray. It works great! Just ask the right one for the silicone in the shop you order your silicone from

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