Best material for making realiztic tails?

[Syrenia]

Okay, so I've been reading a LOT of threads on here. I'm starting on my realistic tail pretty soon (just have to get the caulk or whatever is best,) and I was wondering what the best material was for making a realistic tail? Some people say acrylic caulk, others say silicone, and now I'm just plain confused.
So my question is what the best is? And what paints would work best on what materials? I've heard that acrylic paint works perfectly on acrylic caulk (after you spray the finished product with silicone spray.) But at the same time, I'm kind of worried that I'm going to spend the last of my money on something that isn't going to work it's best. Some advice and tips would be lovely.

[Mermaid Star]

Depends on your budget. Caulk isn't the best and can break down over time but is budget friendly. Dragon Skin and Platinum Silicone are going to be best as it is safe to use for skin contact and lasts longer but can cost a pretty penny. You should mix the paint in with the caulk if you are using caulk and then paint and then seal it with silicone. If you are using silicone, many paints will not stick, so many people use pigments and mix it in with the silicone and paint it on that way. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to help if I have the answers. :)

[Mermaid Star]

Oh and it has been discussed that 2-3mm neoprene is the best base for the application of the latex/silicone. (if you are using caulk this acts as a protective barrier between you and the caulk)

[Kanti]

You could use caulk.
You can honestly make a "pure silicone" tail out of caulk as well. The difference between acrylic caulk and 100% silicone
caulk is that acrylic only lasts around 30 years (which is still a pretty long time), will shrink and crack overtime, BUT it can
be easily colored and only costs around $2 for a bottle of around 10.1 ounces. They sell 100% silicone caulks and it's essentially
like using "smooth" on silicone, but half the prince. The bottles run in the same (10.1 oz) size as acrylic, but silicone will not
shrink, will hold up to more wear and tear, and is permanently waterproof. Acrylic caulk is only "weather proof" which means
it can stand up to water, but it can't hold it's own very well and will slowly erode overtime. The 100% silicone caulk is a bit more
expensive, around $6 per bottle and is mostly unpaintable. There are brands that are paintable, though. They just cost extra.

If this is your first tail, I'd use the acrylic caulk first just to get some knowledge on using caulk like how long it takes to dry, the
texture of it, developing ways to apply it, etc. That way, you're not using up expensive materials on a tail you're not even sure
will come out as great as you think.

I think either way you go, it'll turn out great.

[Syrenia]

Aww thank you Kanti. I think I'll try the silicone caulk. I really want to keep this tail forever (even if it doesn't come out as perfect as I hope it will.) It's my first tail, and it's a special thing. I will definitely look for the paintable silicone caulk. Does it say specifically that you can paint it, or what should I be looking for?

[Mermaid Photine]

I've never made a realistic tail before, but what about the idea of making the tail out of the acyrlic stuff, painting it, then coating it with a very thin layer of the clear silicone caulk?

[Kanti]

Hmmm. In theory, It could work. It will definitely help out with the strength of the outside of the tail, only problem is if
the acrylic begins to deteriorate from the inside, it will slowly break down. But I mean, you can't prevent that either way xD
I think you could try that :')
It should give you nice results.

[Kanti]

@ Syrenia - It will usually say so on the bottle whether or not it's paintable. Just make sure it comes in clear and not white.
If you use white, it will dull out the color you mix into the tail.
Actually, now that I think of it, if you mix the color into the tail, it shouldn't matter if it's paintable or not. The only problem is
you won't be able to airbrush anymore color on top.

[Syrenia]

Bah! I already got the white stuff. It was on sale (2 for 3 dollars.) I'm thinking about taking it back though. I don't have the money for it, and quite frankly, my boyfriend would be quite angry if he came home from Drill and found out I spent a while bunch of money of stuff for a mermaid tail. *sigh* Aww well...