Not a question...but... Caulking experiment

[LittleTreasure]

Hi, I just wanted to post about what I was doing today because I'm pretty excited about it! I just hope it works!
When I was trying to plan out my next tail I was left wondering what I could possibly use on my tail for the 'latex,' because I'd just learned about how nasty ALEX is. I considered the really good expensive stuff but thought I'd look around for cheaper, green options. At last I found something that looked promising:

Eco-Bond Clear adhesive caulk is a premium-grade sealant that goes on really clear, can (supposedly) cure underwater, and according to its packaging, has no VOCs, is non-toxic, non petroleum-based, oderless, solvent and Isocyanate free, nonflammable, and meets California's health standards. Phew...what a mouthful. We'll see though. It's not latex, or silicone. It's just an adhesive.
(Performance: Shear strength 200 psi, Tensile strength 250 psi, 22 pli peel rating, 500% elongation, zero-shrinkage. Moisture curing and approved for indoor use.) It's also paintable with latex, acrylic and oil based paints.

Anyway, I ordered some and it came in the mail today, finally! I decided to squirt a little on a piece of spandex, draw in a pattern for scales, and see how it does once it cures. I used pieces of cut plastic packaging to spread it around once I got it on the fabric - a nice straight edge - and then used toothpicks to draw around the scales on the spandex. :p The stuff was a pain in the butt to get out of the tube, but I figure all caulks are like that so I'm not worried.

Here are some pictures of the results and materials:
6283
6284
6285

I will probably post more progress photos and let you guys know how the stuff holds up. I'm very hopeful so far.

[ShyMer]

That looks pretty cool! I like how it seems to be quite a bit less scary than alex caulking. Looking forward to seeing your results!

How much does a tube of that go for?

[Winged Mermaid]

Very interesting! For those curious on the specs, you can find them here: http://www.ecobondadhesives.com/products/ (scroll down to clear sealant). However, it says it will polymerize when in contact with moisture. What would that mean for a tail?

[LittleTreasure]

I ended up paying about $20, including shipping, for two tubes of the stuff. A little more expensive maybe but I think it largely has to do with the fact that it's very hard to find in stores (at least where I live). As a side note, I ordered mine from Homedepot.com, but you might be able to find it cheaper somewhere else.

I think the polymerization probably is just how it cures... From what I understand, polymerization basically means that the molecules (monomers) form bonds and create chains, which create polymers. It's the way plastics are formed. It says on the tube that it is a moisture-curing product. For example, I sprayed some water on it and it seemed to become less tacky. However it didn't become completely tack-free in 20 minutes like it says on the tube, at least for me. When it's wet I think that makes it cure a little more easily, but I could be wrong. I think by the time it's fully cured it will be a little more rigid but still pretty rubbery. It's supposed to stay flexible. We'll see in a day or two whether that's true - if I remember correctly it should be cured by then. I haven't read anywhere that it needs heat to dry, and in fact it is supposed to be able to cure in a wide range of temperatures, so yay for no heat guns! Right now it's been a couple hours since I put it on my fabric, and it is very sticky when I touch it, but it doesn't come off on my fingers much at all, although I can feel traces of it on my fingers if I touch it in certain places, like where I laid it on a little too thickly.

[LittleTreasure]

Here's an update on the Eco-bond caulk:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRni98IDmkE&feature=youtu.be

[ShyMer]

Nice video! I liked the look of the clear caulk over that fabric swatch. It'll be interesting to see how it behaves as it ages on a tail. I love that it doesn't give off fumes as it cures.

[LittleTreasure]

Thanks, I love that fabric too, and the caulk seems to enhance its beauty. I'm going to do some pool water testing when I can. It was so nice to be working on it and not get a headache from fumes (keeping in mind I do work with all my windows open if not outside anyway).

[mermaid|spark]

Love the different effect it gives compared to normal caulking. One question though what kind of varnish did you use?

[MerAnthony]

Very interesting indeed. This may have quite a few possablities in the future I can see.

[Mermaid Zipora]

Do you think since it's an adhesive it can stick to a finis monofin? I'm thinking if I put skinny PVC tubes (as fish bones on the fluke) I between the fabric and adhesive it might make a cool effect. What do you think?

[Slee]

Any updates on the eco-bond? I've been looking at it for a "piped" tail. They also make a food grade version, but it's white, but I wasn't sure if it would maintain the elasticity needed for our kind of use. per the MSDS, it reads a lot like dragonskin, BUT, I had some concerns as to whether it was an irritant pre-cure, or if there was still a likely issue after it cures. (yes, many many questions, I have.)

[ncbenavi]

Hey, I'm thinking about using this technique for a production of She Kills Monsters and I was wondering if you had an idea of how much surface area one tube of sealant covered? Also, did you stretch your spandex before adding the sealant?

Thanks!

[Merman Lir]

try immersing it into pool water? i read a lot about how they use chlorine to fully cure latex and make the stickiness go away.