Mertailor dropping Latex

[Morticia Mermaid]

I'm not sure if anyone noticed or not. I try to keep up to date with what is going on with all tail makers. And I found out yesterday that the Mertailor is completely dropping Latex tails and is replacing it with a partial Silicone tail. I know not everyone is a fan of the Mertailor, but I think it is great that all the tail makers so far are getting away from using latex.

From what I understand, he will be making them with the same process he was using for when they were latex. I waited a while to see if anyone else saw and maybe wanted to post, but I figured after a day, either no one saw it or no one wanted to share.

And with the change from latex to silicone, I think it will help the realistic tails hold up a lot better. Yes they are still being made with neoprin, BUT silicone is a rubber, a very stretchy rubber that HOLDS ITS SHAPE and bounces back extremely well. And unlike with the latex, the silicone will give the neoprin an actual shape to bounce back to. Where as with latex, both would just stretch and stretch until it was no longer usable...

Just some food for thought :)

[AniaR]

Yeah he announced that a while ago. Partial silicone though = silicone caulking, which can have as many problems as latex caulking. It's still not a substance INTENDED for use near human skin as a garment (in comparison to dragonskin which is made specifically with frequent human contact in mind). It also depends on if he's using neoprene vs neoprin. Neoprin will continue to stretch regardless of latex or silicone caulking, whereas neoprene can be pre-stretched the way you would a canvas before treating it. There was lots of postings and comparisons of all the materials and techniques on Mer Yuku, I'm not sure if all the threads and things got brought over, but it might be worth looking into the tail making forum :)

I'm glad most tail makers have gotten away from alex plus, but based on everything that's already been done and seen to this date, and my personal experiences as well as research, I don't believe silicone caulking is that much a step away from alex plus. I think it tends to dry quicker which is nice, and it's not AS toxic, but still I think people should spring for the real deal dragonskin silicone. The tail will last a lifetime that way, you don't need to worry about paint scraping, and perfectly fine for your body. I appreciate though not everyone has the budget ;)

[malinghi]

Personally I'm unsure of the seriousness of concerns about silicone caulk. It was used to make the protective gloves we used back when I played underwater hockey, and it seemed fine.

[AniaR]

your gloves were literally made with silicone CAULKING...? Like, bought in a hardware store like this stuff? Or simply produced by the same silicone company? Or silicone gloves... (which would be totally different)
(important to note, if they were somehow made with caulking just because you didn't have a negative experience does not make them safe. Surface area of skin, type of skin, and length of exposure all play a role with how toxins are absorbed into the body as well as pre-exisiting medical conditions)

One of the things we've seen time and time again is how DANGEROUS these uncured materials can be. What is one of the main complaints (http://rainamermaid.tumblr.com/post/25308616171/why-i-dont-suggest-buying-from-mertailor) we've seen (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?19-Mertailor)from mertailor, and a few other tail makers too? Tails arrive uncured, with a strong smell, turning white.

Many silicone caulkings warn that they can cause birth defects. Picking up my clear "GE" silicone- one frequently used in the mer-crafting community, warns of it. EDIT: According to Prop 65 in Cali it's actually illegal to expose people to this without a warning. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_65_%281986%29 that's why the caulking has the warning on it to begin with. Based on this law, anyone who has sold someone else a product in that state WITHOUT warning them of the potential dangers (regardless of how likely) is liable.

edit: Here's a list of all the laws as they relate from the USA http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/tsca.html

Information on silicone caulking and toxicity levels:
http://www.pecora.com/pdfs/Pecora_890FTS-TXTR_MSDS1.pdf
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=SSSSSuUn_zu8l00xl82eN82BMv70k 17zHvu9lxtD7SSSSSS--
The above two are examples of two well known and used manufactures of the silicone caulking you buy in stores. These general warnings tends to apply all the way across the board.

http://www.herchem.com/msds/MSDS107_10_3fl%20oz%20SILICONE%20CAULK.pdf
http://www.askahealer.com/nontoxic-caulk.htm
http://www.ehow.com/list_7565387_effects-silicone-caulking-hands.html
http://www.dap.com/msds_index.aspx (for all DAP products)


My main point is, jumping from alex plus to silicone caulking is NOT that big a difference. It's still a material that is not intended to be turned into a prosthetic, doesn't combine well with neoprin, doesn't age well (meaning cracking, peeling, paint scuffing off, stretching) and wont last long. I think it's misleading to customers as well to call it "latex" when it's latex caulking (Dr. Seaweed made an actual latex tail, world of difference) or silicone, when it's silicone caulking. Customers should know what they're buying so they can use their own discretion in regards to how long the product will last, if it's a good investment for their needs, and if it's worth any potential health risks or allergies. In addition, this is the guy who lied about using alex plus for years and exposed people to it without their knowledge. Everyone believed it was real latex until the truth came out. Not trying to be dramatic, but people should remember those things (previously documented on mer yuku and I believe imported over) and give it consideration.

So yeah, dumping alex plus? Totally cool with it. People just need to understand that silicone caulking is not the same as silicone, and so long as they understand and are prepared for that they can at least make their decisions informed. I've seen some tail makers who use it (latex or silicone caulking), and don't hide it at all or try to sneakily word it. They talk about it, make sure their products are cured before sent out, and make sure their customers have a realistic expectation of the life of the tail and maintenance involved. I think that's responsible. If you can't trust your tail maker to tell you the honest info on their materials or product in that sort of regard, either buy the one you know for sure to be high quality from them and safe, or go with someone else.

[malinghi]

The gloves we used were just cheap work gloves (the kind for gardening or working on a construction project) that were covered in GE silicone II to make them thick and rubbery to protect your hand if it got hit with a puck. Pretty much all underwater hockey teams do the same thing:
http://www.uwhockey.org/colorado/Glovemaking.html
http://www.sfuwh.org/uwh-beginner-guide/equipment
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall10/morrow_e/equipment.html

I agree that my personal experince is totally anecdotal and unscientific, and by no means proof that the silicone caulk is safe. I just thought it was kinda funny that we aren't the only ones to consider applying silicone caulk to wearable items that will be worn underwater, and that within the underwater hockey community the use of silicone caulk is something no one seems worried about. Obviously just because of a lot of people do something doesn't mean its safe, but it did make me wonder if it was possible that our fears about cured silicone caulk might be overblown.

[Firemaid]

Actually I think "partial silicone" means with a neoprene base.

[AniaR]

then he'd be telling everyone it was dragonskin with neoprene ;) all though clearly by his FB he's stalking the forums.

[Winged Mermaid]

He switched from tin cure latex to tin cure silicone as of June 17th of this year. Unfortunately there still have been huge issues becuase of the neoprin. I personally think he needs to go neoprene or go home when it comes to his "realistic" tails. That goes for any tail maker. Neoprin is just a horrid material to use.

The only reasons people use tin cure is becuase 1) It's cheap 2) It's easy to get a hold of. I know the health issue is controversial, but regardless any professional should not be using tin cure. It's an amature material. We have evolved enough in tail making that anyone who SELLS tails to other people should not use these materials. The controversy is invalid regardless if it is harmful or not. The fact that it is not an approved skin safe material. When you sell something you are legally responsible for your products materials, and using non skin safe products for a garment is irresponsible and possibly unlawful.

I've said it before, I'll say it again: people could sue over this if they were so inclined. You can bet that if these types of tails were sold commercially on a wider scale, the law suits would roll in once people discovered that it wasn't a skin safe material. For heaven sake, the main attraction is by kids- either wearing or being in the same water as these materials. Ever went into WalMart, Target, or any other big box store and looked at the HUGE list of recalled items and fliers telling people how to join the resulting class action law suits? These would be right up there with the rest of them.

If you want to make a tail for yourself, then you take that choice and danger into your own hands. People naturally mod and hack things to make them cheaper, but they are the ones who have to deal with any consequences. But you don't sell that stuff. If you want to sell something, you do it right. This is not just about Mertailor- it is about all those who followed the tin cure craze. Emily Angelfish, FishButts (although they recently changed over to all platinum cure- smart move), Shell Tail Labs, Mayberry, Mermaids R Us- all of them. If you are a tail maker, you steer clear of tin cure. It's the right thing to do, and the responsible thing to do.

*gets down off of soap box*

[roamingmer]

Working in the medical field there are strict rules about bio-compatibility of any materials which are in contact to skin. Tails are not medical; however they still are in tight skin contact for prolonged periods, and unless labelled clearly about which active ingredients they contain, any manufacturer is open to potential claims. You could manufacture a tail; claim it is a prop only and should not be worn; and then rely upon naive people to mis-use it. But because they are generally tailor made for specific sizes / people you are implicitly implying it is to be worn. At which case you become liable again.

So I will listen to the soap box and raise a couple of soap bubbles.

[Winged Mermaid]

Actually I think "partial silicone" means with a neoprene base.

I looked up his post, and it does say "Realistic Neoprene" so hopefully that means he will be switching back to neoprene and no longer use neoprin. It would be a lot better for his business! I would be relieved as well, as I hear constant complaints about the neoprin tails when I would much rather hear that they were happy with their purchase.

He also says "quality silicone rubbers". If he were using platinum cure, he would list it as such. His actual dragonskin tails state they are made of "Professional Grade Dragon Skin Platinum Silicone, used by the Professional Special Effects industry market today". Considering how popular the dragonskin on neoprene tails are - weather they be imprinted/textured scales like FishButts, or molded ones like Merbella Studio's basic tail- switching from tin cure to platinum cure for tails would be a wise move. For him and for Shell Tail Labs both. People are learning the truth about tin cure and many don't want tin cure tails any longer- if nothing else that they know platinum cure is higher quality and will last much longer.

[hay_31]

I have no idea what all this 'chalking' is about, but here in Australia I get my stuff from Barnes.com they supply all the mold makers and set designers and prop makers in Australia. The latex I use is used the make masks and prosthetics and the silicon (we don't spell it 'silicone' here) is also top grade. If you want realistic and safe for the skin you can't cut corners. I am also using neoprene that is fabric coated on both sides.


Actually we do spell it with an 'e' on the end.

I looked at caulking and it isn't good quality with long lasting. So fortunately all my supplies are of high grade for the film/spfx industry. You can't cut corners with something like this. It will fall apart rapidly.

[Elle]

Caulking is like Selleys. (I think)

[Winged Mermaid]

I have no idea what all this 'chalking' is about, but here in Australia I get my stuff from Barnes.com they supply all the mold makers and set designers and prop makers in Australia. The latex I use is used the make masks and prosthetics and the silicon (we don't spell it 'silicone' here) is also top grade. If you want realistic and safe for the skin you can't cut corners. I am also using neoprene that is fabric coated on both sides.

Exactly. You do it right- you don't cut corners.

"Caulking" is a thick goopy mix of latex or silicone and a cocktail of other things. What latex or silicone there is in it is classified as "tin cure". Caulking or grouting is what you use for home applications to waterproof or seal certian ares- around the rim of bathroom sinks, between floor or wall tiles, in showers and around tubs, even sometimes around baseboards and windows.

[Elle]

Exactly. You do it right- you don't cut corners.

"Caulking" is a thick goopy mix of latex or silicone and a cocktail of other things. What latex or silicone there is in it is classified as "tin cure". Caulking or grouting is what you use for home applications to waterproof or seal certian ares- around the rim of bathroom sinks, between floor or wall tiles, in showers and around tubs, even sometimes around baseboards and windows.

The main caulking option in Australia is Selleys. Which is been given an EnvirOK rating. So it's low toxic, Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), etc etc. So it's apparently environmentally friendly.
But I wouldn't use it anyway. I definitely agree with you and hay_31 in that you just do it properly the first time.
Better to be safe than sorry :)

[AniaR]

Haha oh Iona, you're the best. I went to bed thinking I'd probably catch drama for my post last night. There's so many new members to mernetwork, not many people who are still around when all this stuff was exposed! I could care less if people buy the stuff, I just think they should know what they're buying and the potential risks/gamble involved. If you want a CHEAP tail, you gotta understand what that means. Despite what he eludes to, nobody is lying here -_- kinda hard to lie about MSDS :p

Anyway to the original post, yes, I think it's good he's moved away from what he calls "latex" and if he's actually moved back to neoPRENE that is freaking amazing! Having personal experience with neoprin and neoprene, neoprin deserves to be blown up. LOL

[Mermaid Azira]

What is the difference between tin cure and platinum cure? Why is platinum cure better? And Is platinum cure still bad?

[AniaR]

Iona just answered that, tin cure= caulking. Platinum silicone = skin safe (dragonskin)

[Mermaid Azira]

Iona just answered that, tin cure= caulking. Platinum silicone = skin safe (dragonskin)
Thank you. Rereading this thread I feel like an idiot.

[Firemaid]

They sell tin cure silicon for all kinds of special effect stuff and mold making. It's not just for caulking. It's nice because it is less chemically sensitive than platinum cure, meaning it will set up next to rubber (like in a mono fin) where platinum cure wont. Also if you put it outside of neoprene it doesn't touch your skin so it doesn't really matter if it's safe for contact with skin or not.

If the Mertalior is doing a better job and improving his practices we should be happy. What more could we ask for than an adversary changing their ways to be more in-line with our own?

[AniaR]

I think Iona and I made a fairly well rounded argument that addresses everything you just said. Also, we've both had negative experiences (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?60-Mertailor-Review)with mertailor tails (she's had 2!), so we know exactly what can happen when something is made from a lesser quality product than what is advertised. What we expect is some transparencies with tail makers, so people know what they're buying and what they're getting into. Also, like I said, if he switched back to neoprene, then I'm very happy. Neorpin is terrible. It's hard to "be happy" for someone who has frequently upset people, and attacked the community. I think the very fact that those of us who have been around a while can actually approach things civilly and critically is a milestone to be appreciated. If his products were the level he claims, he wouldn't feel the need to constantly troll the forum and write retorts on his facebook honestly. No one is saying his dragonskin tails are unsafe, just suggesting that the jump from alex to silicone caulking isn't a decision that some see as really any different. You have all the main issues with caulking as you would with alex (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?553-Archive-quot-Using-ALEX-for-Tails-quot), dialled back slightly. If we really had the control he seems to give us on here, things would be different ;)
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
Arthur Schopenhauer

[Seamist]

Have to add that I am thankful to have looked on this forum before deciding what materials to use for my own tail. I was not a member of the old Yuku board, I am new to the whole mermaid community, and I had no idea about Mertailor until I saw your reviews. I was leaning toward ordering one until I dug in and did further research. I have very sensitive skin, and agree fully with Iona and Raina that anyone selling materials that are not approved for wear could potentially be sued. I would if it made me sick. Awesome that I was able to avoid all that hassle in the first place.

I have designed, crafted, and sold custom jewelry for over 20 years....I use sterling, fine silver, or stainless for my pieces. It pisses me off when I see other makers misleading buyers. My stuff is not cheap, it has value, it is well made and skin safe. I would not feel right about putting anything out there that was not. If I don't use my typical sterling (for example a custom order or something Steampunk etc.) it is clearly marked. Is my stuff right for every buyer? No. However....you have a responsibility to the community you serve. *popping new soap bubble*

[Morticia Mermaid]

I'm just curious, really am not trying to start anything, but how do you know whether he is using silicone caulking or not? Fish Butts also does Partial Silicone tails, so how do we know if its caulking or not... How do we know what ANY tail maker actually uses for "silicone tails" or even partials...

Again, just wondering...

[AniaR]

I think that's a fair question, Stevi tells everyone she's using dragonskin for her silicone. If mertailor wasn't using caulking he would say "What liars on mernetwork, I do not use silicone caulking!" and there would be no drama. He has admitted to using the caulkings in the past, people who have worked with him have confirmed it, it was very well documented on mer yuku and I believe the threads were pulled over, of course, the price would reflect using dragonskin and not caulking, and even though he's announcing it now, he announced it previously as Iona mentioned and several mers since then have posted their tails with all the same issues as caulking since he claimed to have switched over. (Blue mermaids thread was a perfect example. None of those things would happen with dragonskin) All he has to say is "every mermaid tail I make that isn't fabric is made from dragonskin silicone". And you know what? I wouldn't cause drama, I'd say, "good, that's perfect, the community needs to get away from that stuff, good for you." I actually wouldn't be surprised as from a result of the posts Iona and I made he does decide to move away from the stuff. I didn't wake up thinking hmm I'll fight with mertailor today (not that you're suggesting it, lol) I am simply referencing things that already exist, voicing my opinions, concerns, and criticisms. It does not equal hate, or lying, as anyone can easily see.

My whole intention here, is not to start a big drama war or bash the mertailor, I have made these same comments about fishbutts when they dumped the alex plus and went to real dragonskin, made the same concerns about caulking in regards to Merberry, as well as others who make tails in the caulking way. The difference between everyone else, is they say what they make their tails out of. So everyone who wants to buy knows, okay, I am only getting what I pay for material wise and I know they come with certain risks. You know what that makes? Happy customers. People are more understanding because they know they made an informed choice. You'd see less negative reviews as well because people wouldn't be under assumption that the tail they bought that they thought was real silicone just fell apart. The intention of my reply, was to show that there's a strong possibility that the materials being used are not high grade, and this customers should be prepared for that.

[Morticia Mermaid]

If mertailor wasn't using caulking he would say "What liars on mernetwork, I do not use silicone caulking!" and there would be no drama. He has admitted to using the caulkings in the past, people who have worked with him have confirmed it, it was very well documented on mer yuku and I believe the threads were pulled over, of course, the price would reflect using dragonskin and not caulking, and even though he's announcing it now, he announced it previously as Iona mentioned and several mers since then have posted their tails with all the same issues as caulking since he claimed to have switched over. (Blue mermaids thread was a perfect example. None of those things would happen with dragonskin) All he has to say is "every mermaid tail I make that isn't fabric is made from dragonskin silicone".

Maybe he doesn't want to say because people would call HIM a liar. Again, no one can know for fact what is actually being used. Processes and materials change, Tailmakers don't HAVE to tell anyone what they actually use.

And if prices actually reflected what they used, I'd question whether or not Fish Butts actually is using dragon skin. Her partial tail prices are the same as his. I have personally looked into the prices of dragonskin and there is no way she could be making them with dragon skin and be making any profit. The materials alone are equal to the price she charges for them.

Just some food for thought.

[Spindrift]

Fish Butts has used caulking though. I'm pretty sure that was widely known.

[AniaR]

I have personally looked into the prices of dragonskin and there is no way she could be making them with dragon skin and be making any profi

Many tailmakers are now buying wholesale for their dragonskin silicone. It's how they're getting around the individual costs. I've personally seen Stevi's photos of silicone, and she's posted it on her pages and instagram before as well the tail making process. I addition, not many tail makers use tail making as their soul income. Jesse uses the exact same materials as Eric and Raven, and charges far less. He's also got photos and videos of the tail making process.

Really, a person shouldn't be worried they'll be called a liar unless they've been caught in a lie before. But honestly, if he said that's what he was using people would believe it unless they got the materials and compared it to others. Like I said, having owned both, there are certain things that just don't happen with dragonskin that happen with caulkings. I've documented some of it on my youtube.

I just think these are all things people should consider is all. It's not a matter of good or bad, but just a matter of people knowing what they're buying. I see on his FB there's been comments about me having health issues to start with, so I shouldn't have even bought a tail. Well, I can tell you, I bought my tail after doing a hell of a lot of researching on latex and believed I was getting a pure latex tail. Had I known it was made from the same things my carpenter father kept in his garage, or known what those things could do, I'd have never bought it. But I would never have bought it for a lot of reasons had I known ;)

[AniaR]

Fish Butts has used caulking though. I'm pretty sure that was widely known. yep. They did. And they told everyone they did and answered questions and didn't claim it was something else. So people knew when they bought the tails what they were getting.

[AniaR]

Hey everyone, Eric and I have been emailing over this issue. He'd like to set the record straight. He's been very polite and respectful in our emails and he and I are both working hard here to compromise.

I've quoted directly what he's explained and said. You'll have to make your own decisions for yourself. Personally, the only real issue I had that I wanted addressed, was transparency in information so customers know what they're buying. I believe Eric did his best to address that. While I still believe all tail makers should move on to only using dragonskin, I appreciate that's not something that can happen if people want cheaper tails. Anyway, here's what he has to say.



First and foremost, when I started my business years ago, when I was 15, I created the first "Affordable" "Realistic" Mermaid Tail. I wanted to offer a Realistic looking product that were both safe to wear and affordable to my clients and others who had the same passion that I do for the World of Mermaids. I experimented with all types of liquid rubbers from Smooth-On, the Hardware Store, and other FX Companies that were available on the market, various paints, fabric, etc. until I found something that I felt would do the job. When I found that "perfect" product, it was Latex Rubber, Neoprin Backing, Createx Airbrush Paints, Silicone, and a Finis Monofin. I was so happy that I finally created the product that I had been working on finding for years! Not only was it affordable, but it was completely safe.


The prototype ended up being used by the Weeki Wachee Mermaids and various Aquariums around the USA. I am bringing the Aquariums up in this paragraph, because I want to point out that, if a product was not "safe", an Aquarium would never put it into their Aquarium Environment due to the safety of the fish and other aquatic wildlife. I know this to be a fact because I have performed at many well known Aquariums. Not to mention the Weeki Wachee Mermaids would not have asked to use, or order my Realistic Tail Product. Not only because of environmental issues, but also the safety of their performers.


It is true that Latex is not a very good material to use in water applications, because Latex absorbs water as Silicone rejects the elements. After a while, the Latex starts to break down because of water damage. When painting a Latex Prosthetic, the paint might appear to look as if it completely permanent, but it is not. Painting Latex is a Topical Application. Eventually, the paint on top of the Latex is going to chip, scratch, or fall off of the material. When you add water to the Latex Prosthetic, with Topical Painting, the Wear and Tear is going to be twice as bad, especially when the Latex Tail is put onto or pushed against the slightest surface such as the concrete wall of a swimming pool. When you add the element "Water" to any type of application, it is always much more difficult for any product. It is what it is. Whether the product breaks down or algae blooms, it is going to happen unless it is properly cared for. Unlike Latex, Silicone Rubber only sticks to Silicone Rubber. Although, I Airbrush my Silicone Mermaid Tails, I am using a Silicone Mixture, that I have formulated which is 99.9% permanent. I am basically "dying" the Silicone Rubber with the various colors creating a "Permanent Bond". Once again, there is always going to be wear and tear with anything you purchase in your life. Because of Silicones durability and water resistant properties, I started creating my Full Silicone Mermaid Tails. Most recently I started switching over to Partial Silicone Mermaid Tails (still called the Realistic Mermaid Tail). I wanted to offer a better product for my clientele, so I did it and it is working beautifully! I NO LONGER OFFER LATEX, only Silicone products!!


Switching over from Latex Rubber to Silicone Rubber was a very difficult, but necessary decision for me to make for my company for several reasons, not because of safety reasons (I have been producing the Latex Realistic Mermaid Tail for years and never once did I get any complaint from a client about skin issues or any other health issues), but because I wanted to produce a "better" product for my clients.



My Realistic Silicone Tails (Partial Silicone Tails) are in fact created from a Tin Silicone and backed with either Neoprene Rubber with Nylon Coating on both sides or Neoprin material. I use the "backing" in my Realistic Mermaid Tails for several reasons; 1.) To keep the cost down to the client, 2.) To make a durable product that will last longer, and 3.) To add a barrier between the client's skin and the Silicone Rubber.


I end up using Neoprin most of the time because my clientele prefer the Neoprin Substitute for several reasons; 1.) Neoprin is not as 'Bulky" as Neoprene Rubber, 2.) Neoprin is better form fitting than Neoprene, and 3.) Neoprin is more soft than Neoprene. Using Silicone Rubber on top of the Neoprin works better than Latex because it keeps a better form and does not allow as much stretch as the Latex. Silicone, no matter the "type" is typically a stronger material all the way around.



I don't know what kind of person people think I am, but people are talking about my realistic tails being dangerous to health and safety. I do care about people and I would NEVER put anyone's health at risk, I wear the realistic tails myself and my friends and family wear my realistic tails. Why would I put the people I hold dearest to me in danger if what these people say are true? Just rest assured that I guarantee that everything that comes from my studio is safe!

Before I ship out any of my Tails, they are completely cured and not leeching any harmful oils or chemicals, then there shouldn't be any reason to worry. I have done my research to prove that the materials I use are safe. Once Silicone or Latex Rubber has been cured, the material is "Inert", which means the material(s) is deficient in active properties; especially: lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action.


When you look at any MSDS form, you will see that the MSDS information does state that the material(s) can be Toxic or Hazardous, but this pertains to ONLY UNCURED MATERIAL(S). The only people who need to worry about this is MYSELF and any OTHERS working with the UNCURED MATERIAL(S), such as Silicone Rubber, not the person who is wearing a FULLY CURED product. When Silicone (Platinum, Tin Based, or Silicone Caulking) and Latex cures, it releases chemicals which "cure" the material from a liquid/gel to a solid. Once the material is completely cured, it does not have Toxic or Hazardous properties. Not only have I done my own experimentation with this, but I have asked my manufacturers of the materials that I use to create my Silicone Mermaid Tails. I have also asked several well known Special FX Artists, including Face-Off contestants and other Professional "Tail Makers" who have been in the business for years.


If the proper, in depth research is done, you or whomever will find out exactly what I am talking about. It is all factual information. I did my research and this is how I came up with my processes. I mean, I am a smart individual, but I needed to get the information from somewhere, I did not just pull it out of my a** (excuse the a** remark).


Once again, I will reiterate that everything that comes from my studio is safe!

Before I ship out any of my Tails, they are completely cured and not leeching any harmful oils or chemicals, there shouldn't be any reason to worry. I have done my research to prove that the materials I use are safe. Once Silicone or Latex Rubber has been cured, the material is "Inert", which means the material(s) is deficient in active properties; especially: lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action.


No one has ever asked me what type of Silicone I use for my Partial Silicone Tails, they just assume that is Caulking, because every other "Tail'' company uses this. I am here to say that I use a Tin Base Silicone on my Partiel Silicone Mermaid Tails and I use Dragonskin, a Platinum Base Silicone Rubber for my Full Silicone Mermaid Tails. Both materials are completely safe to use for the intended application, a Mermaid Tail.


My Full Silicone Tails on the other hand are specifically made to be worn directly against the skin with no barriers such as Neoprin or Neoprene. The Full Silicone is extremely durable and completely water safe. The Silicone Mermaid Tail is truly a full body Prosthetic. The Tails are fully functional/swimmable and extremely realistic. My Silicone Mermaid Tails are created to fit like a second skin, body prosthetic. Made from the highest quality silicone, Professional Grade Dragon Skin Platinum Silicone, used by the Professional Special Effects industry market today. Silicone offers more options than other rubber materials. It is extremely soft, like human flesh, very stretchy, and allows the Tail to have realistic translucency in the Fluke and Fins while being completely UV stable. Not only are our Tails completely safe to wear, but are extremely durable with added spandex mesh casted inside for strength, in addition to my tails being amazingly realistic, they are built with a custom, with a custom polycarbonate Monofin that will provide power and speed for swimming through water like a Dolphin. Each Tail is custom made to order using the clients specific measurements upon ordering. Using my special pigmentation process, our beautiful Tails are custom painted with metallic and iridescent colors to give an extremely realistic appearance. Silicone can be used in all types of water, Salt, Fresh, or Chlorinated water.


I also would like to bring up the custom measurement information. I am always slammed with orders. People just want to be Mermaids! I can not tell you how many times a client measures incorrectly. Half of the time my clients who measure incorrectly either A.) Measure themselves, or B.) The client uses a metal measuring tape (inappropriate device). This happens all of the time and I have no control over this. If a Mermaid Tail was created using the wrong measurements on my behalf, I take back the Tail and I fix it. The same goes for painting the Tail. If the color is incorrect or I missed a spot, I take back the Tail and I fix it. If the client destroys the Tail, which happens all the time and ruins the paint job, they are responsible for paying to fix it.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thats actually the same information he sent to me as well, I'm going to be including it in the interview I will be doing with him for my blog

Edit: There are a few questions I have about some of it that I will be asking, I will include the answer with the questions in the interview.

[Firemaid]

Iona just answered that, tin cure= caulking. Platinum silicone = skin safe (dragonskin)

I was just pointing out that this statement was inaccurate.
Tin cure silicon is not just caulking. It is often used in professional special effects making and can be particularly good for making mermaid tails with a mono-fin because it will dry next to rubber. Platinum cure will not.
As far as pointing out that we could be happy someone is at least trying to make positive changes; I am sorry if that bothered you, it wasn't my intention.
Clearly Eric has hurt your feeling quite a bit.
That sucks.
Maybe you should just forget about him?

[Mermaid Star]

I just noticed a few things and wanted to point a few things out from the letter that was sent and my experiences with working with the products I have worked with in the past.

I would like to point out that the latex that he was using in the past was inferior. I used a latex which is very difficult to work with but is used for SFX. It does not break down just by being in water. Even swimming in chlorinated water for several hours during a gig, this latex did not break down or turn white. That only happens when the "latex" reconstitutes. Once fully cured, real latex doesn't stretch much at all (which is one of the reasons why MVD stopped using it, I believe).

Also, Neoprin is not softer that neoprene. Neoprene feels like a flipping cloud! But if it is more rough, it would hold the "rubber" better if applied to the fabric, more so than a smooth fabric. We have found, as a group, that neoprin has a shorter life span than neoprene (stretch wise)

Tin cure silicone is used in the SFX world, but it is not meant for prosthetics! Tin cure silicone is intended for molds. As per what eric said, he uses Smooth on products. You can see this for your self on the smooth-on web site under the Silicone rubbers page.

I am very happy that he is trying to heal the wounds by extending a coupon/discount to the group. He stands to gain a lot of business from this group. But I too would like some transparency from him. And all sellers of products for that matter.

In regards to the caulking issue. I know he was using the caulking because my best friend worked with him and used it when helping him make his tails. They sent a tail that she made to an aquarium. The aquarium will not think much of it if the maker of the product says it is safe, but if it turns white/breaks down/reconstitutes (as he mentioned that it does) then it is not safe for the fish or others that may be in the water. (caulking is white when not cured, as it cures [if you use clear] it turns clear) As a reference, Mermaid Raven's mertailor tail turned white after a few hours of use in water.

Just wanted to throw that info out there. I know it is just random info, but I wanted to just bring those things up as points from my experience.

I know everyone has a little bias in one direction or another. Everyone is bias in some way. We are human, we can't help it. Please know that no one here has malicious intent. We all want a safe, happy and fair place to be. Thank you to all of the mers who help make this place a safe place. Without you all, I would have made a caulking tail instead of learning to use real latex. Also to Iona/Winged for discussing the dangers of working with latex. Because of you, I used the proper safety precautions when working with the material. I can't wait to move on to making my very own silicone tail!

[mermanjr]

Well I Know one maker who has pioneered in dragon skin tails from the companies beginning and that would be mermaid creations L L C .com also known as merman Jesse he has profestional grade dragon skin tails for sure

http://www.mermaidcreations-inc.com/

also the tails are totally 100% dragon skin and the tails are exactly as published I must say

[Morticia Mermaid]

Jr- This was meant to be a discussion about Mertailor and his tails. No one is calling Eric a liar about his products.

[Sammi Ray]

Hes not said anything on his site yet (kinda hoping to see some pics). If anyones seen any pictures let me no what they look like :-)