Speed tail making

[MermaidAstrid]

There's only 45 days until my diving trip and my tail is definitely coming with me!

The tail will have an individual scale method and be monofin free. I want to keep this 100% silicone using a couple of different hardnesses to find a balance between weight and propulsion. This is the progress so far.

This fluke mould is huge! She took 3kg of pinkysil to cover.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170909/0d1cf318e2d7e1589c3ddfb4b30a7eda.jpg


The hip fin and her mirror mould are done and waiting to be filled.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170909/7d65ee1a8a3b55961e465c46bbbb9420.jpg


I have just over 40 scale moulds for the main body and a few smaller sizes for the join area of the fluke. I won't completely fill the moulds so the final scale will just be the teardrop shape. I figure I'll need to pour these 30< times... glad I got a 30 minute demould silicone!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170909/97d26414b6da2797948ced66cb21058d.jpg


If I have time I'll also be putting a starfish top together too, using moulds of a few types of starfish

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170909/3b0ea388d218c6b4899f17f064931471.jpg


I ran out of moulding silicone 3 times this week, thanks to wishful thinking! The mould shop guys know me by name now [emoji23]

Progress photos will be coming in fast over the coming weeks.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Aurelian]

It looks great so far. Keep it up!

[MermaidAstrid]

It looks great so far. Keep it up!

Thank you [emoji170]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

looks awesome!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170911/3d1e8e558ec7368a262d840c26b2f230.jpg test scales fresh from the mould. Paint in the morning!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

looks awesome!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Thank you Johari [emoji170]🦈


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

You are welcome! Am hoping to start maki g my own silicone tail soon, am trying to figure out which techniques I am going to use:) Am looking forward to seeing how yours turns out:)

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Astridia]

Oooh! looks awesome *Follows*

[Alicia26]

Very cool. * follows too *

Sent from my SM-G900I using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[KaileyAnne]

Just going to ask because I'm a noob... How will you be able to swim in it without the monofin? I can't imagine there would be much propulsion at all really.

[MermaidAstrid]

Just going to ask because I'm a noob... How will you be able to swim in it without the monofin? I can't imagine there would be much propulsion at all really.

Great question! I'm incorporating different hardnesses of silicone in the tail to maintain speeds like a monofin. It will still have a great amount flexibility so it will be easy to travel with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170921/e29d120ede16037e8f4f94dd546a3604.jpg
Had a busy week with work/kids...but things are moving along, I think I'm about 1/5th of the way through the scales. They feel amazing!!

I've been pinning them to a canvas to keep them out of the way and also to work out placement, air compressor and airbrushes are hopefully arriving next week!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170921/3ecf3a0ca35f89992b77eedde69ed822.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

oooooo! Looks very cool!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Astridia]

those scales look gorgeous and the LOOK super soft....... I always wonder when people make individual scales like this how you affix them in place, as in on the final product, is it silicon-ing them in one by one or do you put a layer of Silicone over the top/under while they're pinned in place?

[Mermaid Fenicia]

I 'glued' them on a lycra base (on my body double) 1 by 1 with some dragonskin and then I added a glitter-coat on top and a layer at the lycra-side.

[MermaidAstrid]

those scales look gorgeous and the LOOK super soft....... I always wonder when people make individual scales like this how you affix them in place, as in on the final product, is it silicon-ing them in one by one or do you put a layer of Silicone over the top/under while they're pinned in place?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170922/2fdd838961862533fad30db33ec47ccc.jpg

Exactly what Mermaid Fenicia said. One by one with more silicone. Then it's time to airbrush, so excited to use all the amazing pigments I've bought!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Neerai]

WOW!! That scales are just BEAUTIFUL!! I will follow this!

[MermaidAstrid]

WOW!! That scales are just BEAUTIFUL!! I will follow this!

Thank you! I’m about half way through them now. This week will be nothing but scales fins and fluke pouring.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kane]

They (the scales) are so gorgeous. Can't wait to see this tail finished!!

[MermaidAstrid]

They (the scales) are so gorgeous. Can't wait to see this tail finished!!

Thank you Mermaid Kane, almost done with the scales!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/66068339faa68be858dcdc3506b7bc06.jpg



First fluke half is out of the mould!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/8a52a869e1a7552454ad14b1d4ed4730.jpg

It’s quite translucent, makes me think I may want to go for a polycarbonate fin to maintain some of translucency after airbrushing.

I used a little of my pigments on the fluke so if any paint were to come off due to wear and tear it won’t show too terribly.

Tested a little of my flakie collection too.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/25807a9c300269df888043b40494da20.jpg


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/0e8de56c120a11faf31e6f18b5da25d3.jpg

And this is one side of my hip fins.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170928/85cca6e9b274ec5c964450769cde68fe.jpg

Next half of the fluke will be done tomorrow, an then back to scales. 3/4 of the scales are done!


Back to work!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

Pretty!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Mermaid Kane]

Your doing great! <3 it looks awesome.

If silicone wasn't so expensive, I'd probably make myself a tail as well.... Dx

[Astridia]

OMG the SPARKLES! Those hip fins are GORGEOUS I love the edging

[MermaidAstrid]

Thanks everyone [emoji171]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Ugggg ran out of silicone again!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Water Phoenix]

Beautiful!

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171002/066454ccc7e48063f5ae3d039b900131.jpg

Air compressor is here!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

Yay!!!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[freyamaat]

I love those hip fins. Go go go! I believe in you!

Sent from my P00I using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[Mermaid Kane]

I love those hip fins. Go go go! I believe in you!


I really like them too, haha.

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/5fe31d0993279a9aec74461795f8453b.jpg

Monofin is complete, we’re up to the assembly point now and then all that’s left is painting!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/c62440d4c5806cd68304d50e30a9d132.jpg

Sealing this fin sock with silicone tonight ready for fluke assembly.

Wondering whether I’ll need clamps or just heavy items to sandwich the fluke together.....



On a plus note I’m officially on holiday so I have the next week to dedicate solely to tails and tribulations before I fly out [emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kane]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/5fe31d0993279a9aec74461795f8453b.jpg

Monofin is complete, we’re up to the assembly point now and then all that’s left is painting!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/c62440d4c5806cd68304d50e30a9d132.jpg

Sealing this fin sock with silicone tonight ready for fluke assembly.

Wondering whether I’ll need clamps or just heavy items to sandwich the fluke together.....



On a plus note I’m officially on holiday so I have the next week to dedicate solely to tails and tribulations before I fly out [emoji4]


How well will this work...?

[MermaidAstrid]

How well will this work...?

As in the monofin in the water or the assembly?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Kane]

As in the monofin in the water or the assembly?

In the water.

[Astridia]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/5fe31d0993279a9aec74461795f8453b.jpg

Monofin is complete, we’re up to the assembly point now and then all that’s left is painting!!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171016/c62440d4c5806cd68304d50e30a9d132.jpg

Sealing this fin sock with silicone tonight ready for fluke assembly.

Wondering whether I’ll need clamps or just heavy items to sandwich the fluke together.....



On a plus note I’m officially on holiday so I have the next week to dedicate solely to tails and tribulations before I fly out [emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


For a sec there I thought you'd used ENORMOUS STAPLES in your monofin...... it's zip ties right? XD

[LeeAnne]

Eeee! This is looking awesome, keep up the good work!

[Mermaid Joie]

O_O follows
IDK those fins and scales are so pretty by themselves I'd don't think they need paint.

Sent from my VS988 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MermaidAstrid]

In the water.

In the water is all good 🦈


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

For a sec there I thought you'd used ENORMOUS STAPLES in your monofin...... it's zip ties right? XD

Hahaha can you imagine the size of the stapler?! They sure are zip ties [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Eeee! This is looking awesome, keep up the good work!

Thank you [emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

O_O follows
IDK those fins and scales are so pretty by themselves I'd don't think they need paint.

Sent from my VS988 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Aw thanks! Just wait til they shine in the sun from a little airbrushing [emoji170]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Joie]

I am sure you have an awesome vision for this tail I can't wait to see it come to life

Sent from my VS988 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/dfef630e86527ecef92438cfae9c16f7.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/dfef630e86527ecef92438cfae9c16f7.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Progress shot! Final stretch [emoji170]🦈


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Fly out tomorrow. Taking backup glue with me...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid_Mari]

It looks so amazing!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/23bc7b610b992b520971269a1b02d746.jpg

Sandwich time [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid_Izzy]

I love the colors and the spots! It's so pretty.


Sent from my ShellPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Thanks lovelies!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DancingJohari]

Looks so good!!!!

Sent from my SM-G920T using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[NomadicMermaid]

Holy carp! That tail looks incredible. More pictures please ��

[Mermaid Kane]

!! Holy carp! That happened so fast, lol! Good job! It looks incredible.

[Mermaid Mia]

I was planning to eventually do my tail with sequined body and silicone fluke but i LOVE these scales might just have to change to full silicone. BEAUTIFUL job


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Neerai]

Oh my God! This tail is STUNNING!!

[freyamaat]

Holy Andraste. That's AMAZING.

Sent from my P00I using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

[MermaidAstrid]

Holy Andraste. That's AMAZING.

Sent from my P00I using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Dragon Age quote, love it [emoji170]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid AshleyML]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171023/dfef630e86527ecef92438cfae9c16f7.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What type of airbrush set up do you use and do you use pigments or some kind of paint? I hope you do t mind me asking


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

What type of airbrush set up do you use and do you use pigments or some kind of paint? I hope you do t mind me asking


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Mermaid Ashley!
I mix caulking silicone (the platinum type used for aquariums) with Shellite/white spirits and then mix in pigments. I find that the solvent stable pigments they use for nail polishes work the most reliably. Once I have it mixed to a very thin consistency I use an automotive air compressor and airbrush. I have a finer detailing one but I find it clogs very easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid AshleyML]

Hi Mermaid Ashley!
I mix caulking silicone (the platinum type used for aquariums) with Shellite/white spirits and then mix in pigments. I find that the solvent stable pigments they use for nail polishes work the most reliably. Once I have it mixed to a very thin consistency I use an automotive air compressor and airbrush. I have a finer detailing one but I find it clogs very easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome thank u for the information. Did you use dragon skin 10 silicone for your scales or the aquarium silicone? Probably a stupid question but I thought only the same kind of silicone would stick to it’s self


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Awesome thank u for the information. Did you use dragon skin 10 silicone for your scales or the aquarium silicone? Probably a stupid question but I thought only the same kind of silicone would stick to it’s self


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used 2 types of platinum silicone. Plat Sil-10 and vario 15. I found the vario to be a little more forgiving and seemed to bubble less. I also found that it picked up the detail of the mold better. I used the caulk to attach the scales to the power mesh body as it’s easiest to work with in the caulking gun. Because all of the silicone is platinum cure it will stick together perfectly. Only when it comes to using tin cure silicone (not recommended) and platinum silicone together is where they don’t work together ie:curing issues.

More than happy to answer any queries [emoji4]♥️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[polyhymnia113]

I had a question too. [emoji846] What kind of clay did you use to sculpt your fins and / or scales (scales look like you maybe cast the mold from a shell directly) before making your pinky-sil molds, and then how did you manage to cast your silicone pieces in pinky-sil (also a silicone material) without them sticking? Is it because they are different types of silicone and thus just don't stick to one another or something, or did you also maybe used some kind of mold release?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Mermaid AshleyML]

Curiosity question how thick did you sculpt your fluke


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

I had a question too. [emoji846] What kind of clay did you use to sculpt your fins and / or scales (scales look like you maybe cast the mold from a shell directly) before making your pinky-sil molds, and then how did you manage to cast your silicone pieces in pinky-sil (also a silicone material) without them sticking? Is it because they are different types of silicone and thus just don't stick to one another or something, or did you also maybe used some kind of mold release?

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk


Hi Polyhymnia [emoji4]
I used and oil based clay, sulphur free so it doesn’t react with the silicone. Plastelina/sculptors plasticine. I did use shells for the scales and then filled in the hollow with clay and build them up a little to make it deep enough for filling later. Then arranged them and built a clay wall around and covered them with pinkysil. (Ps:pinkysil is amazing to work with and picks up all the details perfectly).. Didn’t use any mold release for this step and then used Rapid Release by Stoner to keep the silicones from sticking to each other.
Hope this helps ♥️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MermaidAstrid]

Curiosity question how thick did you sculpt your fluke


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not very thick at all. in hindsight I would have sculpted it thicker, so there was more depth on the mold to make for an easier final pour. ♥️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[polyhymnia113]

Hi Polyhymnia [emoji4]
I used and oil based clay, sulphur free so it doesn’t react with the silicone. Plastelina/sculptors plasticine. I did use shells for the scales and then filled in the hollow with clay and build them up a little to make it deep enough for filling later. Then arranged them and built a clay wall around and covered them with pinkysil. (Ps:pinkysil is amazing to work with and picks up all the details perfectly).. Didn’t use any mold release for this step and then used Rapid Release by Stoner to keep the silicones from sticking to each other.
Hope this helps [emoji813]️


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThank you!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[MermaidRaegan]

When you say that you siliconed the fabric side, do you mean the inside? How does that work??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mermaid_lilikoi]

Can you describe the process of scaling? Did you put a piece of fabric on your mold then attach them? Did you just paint on silicon then attach the scales to that? Or did you just attach the scales to each other? Im making my own tail and im not quite sure where to start


Sent from my iPad using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)