Need Advice: Re-Painting Latex Tail

[Karmie]

Need to re-paint my MerTailor latex tail. What kind of paint do I need? Do I need to strip it first?

Are there any other tips that could be useful?

Thanks!

[Winged Mermaid]

Are you sure it's latex and not silicone? He switched over from one to the other last year. It's just important cause it's completely different for repainting. If it is latex or ALEX (tin cure latex) you can follow the instructions found on the Tail Care and Maintenance Thread (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3108-%E2%98%86-Tail-Care-and-Maintenace-The-Official-Thread-%E2%98%86).


-For painted tin cure latex tails, you can repaint and touch up the paint with Createx brand airbrush paint. This can be found at craft stores nation wide. You do not need to have an airbrush to paint the tail, you may brush it on with a paint brush. Let the paint dry for at least one hour, making sure all paint is completely dry, before curing the paint. You may have to recoat the paint in layers to get a nice uniform coat. If so, be sure to let it dry between layers. It is better to wait and do it correctly. Heat set with a very hot heat gun to cure the paint. A tool grade or craft grade heat gun is recommended. A hair dryer will not work. Be careful when using the heat gun. Keep it moving- if a spot gets too hot the paint will bubble and will become prone to peeling and flaking off, and it is possible to melt or burn a hole in the tail if one area is heated for too long. Paint will eventually come off over time, and with scrapes on abrasive surfaces such as concrete, rocks, and pool walls.

I have one myself that becuase of it's age I have to repaint every time I swim. If you use an airbrush, run airbrush cleaner through it before you paint (trust me) then a bit of water then start painting. Also do this between colors. :thumbs-up:

[AniaR]

do you have some pics of it? :) might help determine what it is. You can try emailing eric too.

[Karmie]

It's definitely latex. Pffft I wish I got a silicone one :P

I got it two years ago, definitely in need of a paint job.

Thanks for the link!

[MerEmma]

Are you sure it's latex instead of latex caulking (Alex Plus)?

[Winged Mermaid]

Are you sure it's latex instead of latex caulking (Alex Plus)?

For painting it doesn't matter which one of those it is. I have both, and I paint them the same way :)

[MerEmma]

Oh, haha. I didn't know, I assumed they were different. Now I know! :P

[Winged Mermaid]

10896

haha ;D