Aluminum Scale Male instead of sequins?

[Mertara]

I have been seeing a lot of scale male (spelling? scalemail?) in the costume industry lately, esp really lightweight aluminum stuff! In lots of shiny, bright and vibrant colors! Has anyone tried using these on a tail instead of sequins I just LOVE they look and I know they would flutter so amazingly under water! If I were a rich girl I would try it in a heart beat!
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[MerEmma]

I know aluminum doesn't rust, but instead corrodes. I'm not really sure if it would work? I guess you can always try a swatch test. I don't believe anyone has tried it before. It'd be cool if you could use them as a scale sheet for a molded silicone tail? :b

[Kanti]

It will probably cost a lot, but maybe it'll be about the same as making a silicone tail.
Either way, I think going down the road Emma sort of went, you will need to go to extra lengths to make sure you have the proper upkeep for the metal depending on it's qualities. I know brass is REALLY pretty but it gets foggy like nothing, I wouldn't want to have to polish my tail everytime I went for a swim xD
Another thing would be making it, it would probably take forever I'd think. Isn't scalemale just like chainmale, where you need a pair of pliers to open the loops at every layer? And since it's metal it wouldn't provide very good stretch.

[Morticia Mermaid]

I was actually thinking of making tops and accessories with these. I'm not sure about anyone else, but sometimes I have a hard time getting down (and staying down) because of the neoprene and rubber monofin, and I think having the metal embellishments on like a... "tail-let"? (kinda like an anklet, but loose around the base of the fluke), would add a perfect amount of weight to balance me out. And for tops, I was thinking stitching them right to neoprene, instead of doing the full on chain linking.

[Mertara]

Isn't scalemale just like chainmale, where you need a pair of pliers to open the loops at every layer? And since it's metal it wouldn't provide very good stretch.


Yes but I would just sew them on like sequins, instead of links. Also I personally will never have the time/money necessary to make a tail like this, but it would sure look awesome! I just wondered if the thought had crossed anyone else' mind. The material is way too expensive to use it just as a silicone mold, also I like the individualism of each scale, so making a solid texture from silicone, even if it looks separated, isn't for me. I've never heard of aluminum corroding from water, but I also have not researched it. I'm sure it would take some kind of maintenance to keep it nice, but don't all tails?

What I may try in the future, is to make plastic scale mail. It wouldn't have the sheen that the aluminum does, but I think I could achieve the same shape. I have a punch used for making guitar picks, and I think if I made some out of kydex (or some other strong plastic), I could then heat set a shape into them, and bore holes and sew them on. Wow that's a lot of work. Bet it would look awesome though!

...but now I can't stop drooling over scale mail! uugggnnnn!!

[Morticia Mermaid]

The thought has crossed my mind a lot actually. Mainly cause I am a major fan of scalemale. I'll definitely be giving a top a shot myself some time in the future :)

[Mertara]

The thought has crossed my mind a lot actually. Mainly cause I am a major fan of scalemale. I'll definitely be giving a top a shot myself some time in the future :)

let us know how it goes and how it does in the water! Every time I see someone wearing a scale mail shirt I just stare and stare like a weird creeper. I love it! I want to run my fingers along it! I'm pretty sure I will have to make a tail of it someday.

[Morticia Mermaid]

let us know how it goes and how it does in the water! Every time I see someone wearing a scale mail shirt I just stare and stare like a weird creeper. I love it! I want to run my fingers along it! I'm pretty sure I will have to make a tail of it someday.

I most definitely will ^_^ I'll make sure to post pictures too. Just want to find some that might go with my tail, cause if it works well, I'll probably wear it regularly with my tail :p

[MerAnthony]

Interesting.Sounds good, they look great, but like Kanti said they upkeep would be a pain in the butt.

[Merman_Ryan]

This is so refreshing to the scale pasties and shell bras. :D

[Mertara]

This is so refreshing to the scale pasties and shell bras. :D
yeah I am over the shell bras....if and when I have a swim-able mermaid ensemble I won't even wear a top, but probably extend scales high enough to cover the naughty bits and call it a day, lol

[Merman_Ryan]

yeah I am over the shell bras....if and when I have a swim-able mermaid ensemble I won't even wear a top, but probably extend scales high enough to cover the naughty bits and call it a day, lol

I had to have a shirt on before I lost 30 pounds. Now unless I'm at a public gathering (like Megacon) I go bear chested so I somewhat know the feeling. LOL

[Kanti]

Yes but I would just sew them on like sequins, instead of links. Also I personally will never have the time/money necessary to make a tail like this, but it would sure look awesome! I just wondered if the thought had crossed anyone else' mind. The material is way too expensive to use it just as a silicone mold, also I like the individualism of each scale, so making a solid texture from silicone, even if it looks separated, isn't for me. I've never heard of aluminum corroding from water, but I also have not researched it. I'm sure it would take some kind of maintenance to keep it nice, but don't all tails?

What I may try in the future, is to make plastic scale mail. It wouldn't have the sheen that the aluminum does, but I think I could achieve the same shape. I have a punch used for making guitar picks, and I think if I made some out of kydex (or some other strong plastic), I could then heat set a shape into them, and bore holes and sew them on. Wow that's a lot of work. Bet it would look awesome though!

...but now I can't stop drooling over scale mail! uugggnnnn!!

Heheh well if you like it go for it!
I think making plastic scales is actually a good idea! You won't have to worry about maintenance and you could probably paint them easier. And oh if you're going to sew them on lke sequins that definitely gives you more leeway for stretching. I think it'd make for a really cool tail, but yea very time consuming xD

[Mertara]

time consuming yes, but I am ok with that XD I do costumes for a living so it's no stranger to me to take forever on one tiny detail. I learned to leave shortcuts behind a long time ago! I also want to play around with making individual, clear silicone scales onto a gradient dyed lycra tail, but that's another thread haha

[Winged Mermaid]

I've considered this, but even though it's aluminum it would still be heavy in the water. If you were to want that, go with a tail of 2-3mm+ to give enough buoyancy to counter it. Also I kind of imagine swimming underwater would be rough on the ears.. all that metal moving around and scraping on one another.. and you thought having jingly shell earrings was bad. Gives me a headache just thinking about it X_x

I've thought a lot about scale male since my hubby is into doing chainmale. He actually just finished a chainmale shirt (longer torso length and longer sleeves than most shirts that you see) and is working on a hood for that and has already started a galvanized steel scalemale shirt. He told me, "Well, I figure if I'm going to get roped into being your mertender I may as well look awesome doing it." XD

[Mertara]

well normal scale mail yes is heavy, but aluminum scales weigh nothing, and they do not get heavier in the water, I would be willing to bet it would be lighter by far than a silicone tail. and I'm also talking about sewing them on like sequins, NOT chain linking them on, so that's even less aluminum. I don't think the sound would bother me, nor do I think there would be much sound, shells are definitely noisy, aluminum I think would be not as loud, I think maybe it would be like a wind chime :) NOW I HAVE TO MAKE ONE I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT XD

[Morticia Mermaid]

well normal scale mail yes is heavy, but aluminum scales weigh nothing, and they do not get heavier in the water, I would be willing to get it would be lighter by far than a silicone tail. and I'm also talking about sewing them on like sequins, NOT chain linking them on, so that's even less aluminum. I don't think the sound would bother me, nor do I think there would be much sound, shells are definitely noisy, aluminum I think would be not as loud, I think maybe it would be like a wind chime :) NOW I HAVE TO MAKE ONE I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT IT XD

I'm with you Tara. I've been thinking about other possible ways to "water-proof" the scales. I've got some cool ideas I want to test, just have to get the money to. Might be able to try this fall, have a faire this summer I'm getting a booth ready for

[Mertara]

I've been thinking about other possible ways to "water-proof" the scales. what are you waterproofing it for? I mean to ask, why waterproof it? I think aluminum is pretty waterproof as it is, and they are colored from chemical reactions and electrolysis I believe, not painted....but I could be wrong on that.

[Morticia Mermaid]

what are you waterproofing it for? I mean to ask, why waterproof it? I think aluminum is pretty waterproof as it is, and they are colored from chemical reactions and electrolysis I believe, not painted....but I could be wrong on that.

I did some research, and unless it's anodized aluminum it corrodes when constantly around water. I'm not sure about you, but if I spend that much money, effort and time on a potentially awesome looking top, I'd love to be able to wear it in the water :)

[Mertara]

ah, yeah definitely then. I'm sure there's probably a spray that would waterproof them. You said you had some ideas you wanted to test out?

[Morticia Mermaid]

ah, yeah definitely then. I'm sure there's probably a spray that would waterproof them. You said you had some ideas you wanted to test out?

Yeah. I was thinking auto paints :) The paint will adhere to the metal. So, if it's fully coated in auto paint with a clear sealer coat, you shouldn't have to worry about corrosion. Right? plus, that would allow for a TON more color options that are available on the only site I've found that sells them

[Mertara]

verrry interesting! Can't wait to see how your tests go!

I'm also going to try the look of crystal clear plastic scales in the same shape, over gradient dyed lycra and see how that looks.

[Morticia Mermaid]

verrry interesting! Can't wait to see how your tests go!

I'm also going to try the look of crystal clear plastic scales in the same shape, over gradient dyed lycra and see how that looks.

Me too :) Have everything I need, but the scales.

My suggestion would be to find a heavy duty craft punch, you can order the plastic sheets that companies use to make sequins. Should work well

[MermaidBrittany]

Why have I never seen this before???! This is SO cool! :D Maybe a bit complicated to work with, but all the same awesome! Where would you even buy the pieces?

[Morticia Mermaid]

I found them on here http://theringlord.com/cart/

So far its the only site I've found to buy them. They sell everything from aluminum to Stirling silver and titanium

[Morticia Mermaid]

Ok... I ordered some. Ordered some of the aluminum, galvanized steel and mild steel. Will take from 7-12 days to get them. Then I'll start playing and experimenting with them. I'll keep you guys posted with updates and let you know how it goes :)

[Mertara]

I found them on here http://theringlord.com/cart/

So far its the only site I've found to buy them. They sell everything from aluminum to Stirling silver and titanium

Yes this is where I was going to say to buy them.

as for the punch, I actually have a heavy duty punch I bought a while back for making guitar picks XD it's almost the same shape as the scales for scalemail, and I might try heat setting them to get a slightly rounded shape. I don't want circular scales, I like the little points on them ^_^.

[Morticia Mermaid]

Nice. I actually bought some a few hours ago. I'll let you know how they turn out

You should be able to use a heat gun to heat them enough to shape

[Kanti]

Yes this is where I was going to say to buy them.

as for the punch, I actually have a heavy duty punch I bought a while back for making guitar picks XD it's almost the same shape as the scales for scalemail, and I might try heat setting them to get a slightly rounded shape. I don't want circular scales, I like the little points on them ^_^.

ooo where can you buy heavy duty punches? That sounds awesome!
And actually would you be able to use guitar pics? Or maybe something with a different color?

[Mertara]

my heat gun died making my Irenes cosplay D: But I normally heat shape either kydex or sintra, both of which are oven safe, so it's cool. If and when I buy a new heat gun it's going to be a paint stripping one for my vacuum form table, and that would be overkill on plastic XD

[Mertara]

ooo where can you buy heavy duty punches? That sounds awesome!
And actually would you be able to use guitar pics? Or maybe something with a different color?


It is for making actual guitar picks! My dad is constantly losing his so I got it so I could supply him with a lifetime of picks, haha. This is what I bought! It has gone through some THICK plastics, too! http://www.pickpunch.com/ 10263

[Morticia Mermaid]

It is for making actual guitar picks! My dad is constantly losing his so I got it so I could supply him with a lifetime of picks, haha. This is what I bought! It has gone through some THICK plastics, too! http://www.pickpunch.com/ 10263

Wow. The Jazz shape is actually really awesome. It would make a cool scale shape for a silicone tail too

[Mertara]

ooo yeah the jazz shape is nice! I'm not buying another damn pick punch though hahaha. I need to find some shiny plastic like whatever they punched in this picture!
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-56194736215675_2251_14944221

[Morticia Mermaid]

Try ebay, or google search in the shopping section

[MermaidBrittany]

Can't wait to see what you guys do with those scales! :D That pick punch is definitely interesting, perhaps scales on neoprene?

[Taniira]

I've been planning on doing a scalemail top, and had messaged theringlord.com people a few times about it. The gist of the response I got is that the anodized aluminum scales are the best they offer for water use, and they've used them in ocean projects before. You have to order AA rings, too, though, and they only offer those in chainmail style, not split ring style, but they can be used for scalemail, it's just a bit more effort.

They also now offer a pdf bikini scalemail top pattern with sizing information, which I plan on getting when I do my order for ease.

[Mermaid Arianna]

The shiny looking plastic, it actually the table underneath.... the white is the plastic you can buy on their site http://www.pickpunch.com/plastic-sheets.html they do have some cool colors, but I would check ebay or amazon. You can also use old credit cards with the punch, Oh and by the way, thanks for making me want a metal tail so bad! I love scale mail!

[Mermaid Arianna]

You could also try those placemats from the dollar store, the thing plastic sheet ones? I saw gold ones there once..........

[Morticia Mermaid]

I've been planning on doing a scalemail top, and had messaged theringlord.com people a few times about it. The gist of the response I got is that the anodized aluminum scales are the best they offer for water use, and they've used them in ocean projects before. You have to order AA rings, too, though, and they only offer those in chainmail style, not split ring style, but they can be used for scalemail, it's just a bit more effort.

They also now offer a pdf bikini scalemail top pattern with sizing information, which I plan on getting when I do my order for ease.

I ordered scales the other day and wasn't required to buy rings. I'm actually planning on sewing them to a neoprene top I have made

[Taniira]

No, they don't require it, I just assumed that it would be a ring scale method. My mistake!

From what I gather historically scalemail was all sewn, anyway. I'm going to be doing the ol' ring method for my top, but first I have to settle into my new place so I have space to work. I'll probably sew in a piece of lycra to the cups for modesty purposes, since the scales can flip up, but that'll probably be all the cloth I use.

[Mermaid Wesley]

post pics!

[Morticia Mermaid]

post pics!

I definitely will of mine :) Should hopefully be getting them next week sometime

[Sephina]

I wouldn't do a whole tail of it, they are actually way heavier then they look when you have a lot of them.

[Jinx]

i must reply with something i was just saying to my bf only seconds ago when he put a spoon on my chest. I am way too sensitive to like the chill of metal on my boobs. tmi maybe uncomfortable fashion most likely at least it would be for me.

[Mertara]

i must reply with something i was just saying to my bf only seconds ago when he put a spoon on my chest. I am way too sensitive to like the chill of metal on my boobs. tmi maybe uncomfortable fashion most likely at least it would be for me.

If you stitched the scales down to fabric it wouldn't touch you too much ;)

[Morticia Mermaid]

So, my scales are supposed to be in today. I'm actually pretty excited to start playing with them. Really hoping they work out cause I think they would make an awesome top for the fair this summer :) I'm adding a new attraction to the pirate fair, a mermaid lagoon :P

[Mertara]

ooo mermaid lagoon! Can't wait to see what you do with the scales!

[Morticia Mermaid]

So, I DID get my scales on the 3rd. But, I haven't had a chance just yet to sit down and being my experiment with them. I'm hoping to get started on that this weekend.

Plans for the experiment-

I'm going to coat 2 of each kind I got in a clear auto paint and set up 6 jars of water (3 salt and 3 straight), and put one scale in each cup for a couple weeks/months and see if the paint keeps the metal for rusting/corroding. I figure during this time, I'll work on putting the top together anyways, and depending on the results of the water testing will determine if I actually wear the top in the water or not :D

My theory is that the paint WILL keep the metal from rusting/corroding. We'll see how it goes ;P

[Azurin Luna]

Not to be noisy though, but being a shipbuilding engineer and such...
I think you should add an extra test. It's usually the wet/dry that makes metals corrode as it is an reaction between the water, air and metal. And I think you will only be swimming in fresh or sea water, not swimming pools? Else you should add a chlorinated water to you test as well.

Good luck with it :D

[Morticia Mermaid]

Thanks Azurin. Hadn't thought of that (the water to air reaction). But, I'll only need the fresh and salt water. Every local pool I have checked wont let me swim in the pool in my tail.

[Taniira]

I just ordered my scales! I splurged on overnight shipping as I'm hoping to have my top done by May 16th. I see lots of long nights ahead of me.

[Azurin Luna]

Good luck!

[Mermaid Miya]

How is it going with the tests? I would like to know because i am seriously considering making a scalemail tail,i mean using the scales like sequins. If it works i would have my dream tail. :)

[Taniira]

I didn't do any formal tests on mine since I was in a rush, but I did get mine done by May 16 and managed to swim in it for a total of about 3 hours I would guess (in chlorine) and it held up fine. I bought black and brushed silver anodized aluminum scales. I don't have any decent pics of it, and for a first time it's not bad looking but it was extremely tedious and it's really heavy. A tail done in scales would look really cool, but it would weigh a ton. I'll try to get some decent pics of it in the next week or so.

I wonder how Morticia's went?