Neoprene Tail modifications with lots of pictures!!

[Mermaid Lulu]

So my Neoprene Tail has been in use for about 2 years now and its seen better days. I'm going to revamp it with a re-paint job and sequin scales, possibly even some new side fins.

As always... stay informed on mermaid stuffs through my facebook page.
Mermaid Lulu (https://www.facebook.com/TheMermaidLulu)

I got some awesome feed back from a great prodigy who's work I really admire, Wood-Splitter-Lee (http://wood-splitter-lee.deviantart.com/gallery/28925490)
She sent me this sketch and some advice on my aesthetics.
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This is all to get the tail ready for my upcoming film shoot this June. If you were a part of the Kickstarter project (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/340850051/red-sky-morning) then thank you all a lot. In the mean time I'm also still looking for actors in Hawaii so if you know anyone have them sign up here (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W53JGHR).


Anyway I'm using a fixer to redo the paint as heat setting it has weakened the fabric on top of the neoprene.
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I'm also experimenting with the scale placement.
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Anyway here is how the repainting is going with the outline redone and shading coming soon.
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[Aquatarian]

Wow! I can't wait to see how it'll turn out. The design looks awesome and scales along the veins in the fluke are gonna look great.

Post more pics when you can :)

[Spindrift]

Looks good! I remember coming across your video edit on YouTube with you in a fish tank before you joined MN. Its cool to see your tail getting revamped. My only input is that raised scales will cause drag in the water so be aware you'll be moving much slower with the same amount of energy exerted (might not make too much of a difference if they don't jut out too much).

[DepthWitch]

very beautiful!

[MerMarla]

Beautiful! I'm curious, as I've never painted or heat set on Neoprene or spandex... does the VersaTex Fixer still allow the paint to remain flexible? I'm wondering if using the Fixer in the first place would alleviate the heat set problem weakening the fabric glued on the Neoprene.

Thanks
Mermaid Marla

[MerAnthony]

:jawdrop: Is all I can say.

[Mermaid Lulu]

Well I'll let you know once the paint sets. According to the directions that could take up to 8 days.

[MerAnthony]

Paint set for 8 days? I never heard of such a paint.

[Mermaid Lulu]

actually its just the fixer mixed with the paint that allows it to set. Because it's compensating for a proper heat setting it will take 6-8 days according to the label.

[lynsea]

LOVE the folded sequins idea

[Ashe]

It looks cool! I love the shade of green and the folded sequins. They look great! :)

[Mermaid Kenzie]

WOW. Those colors will be gorgeous!

[Mermaid Lulu]

Just go through with the front repainting. Now doing the back while still trying to pass my finals. Soo busy.

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also on a personal note. I just went night surfing with my boyfriend in the bioluminescence of La Selva Beach.!!!
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[AnnaAbyss]

Sweet! Reminds me of one of Hannah's tails.

[Mermaid Lulu]

actually yes. Hannah perfected her neoprene model and I've only modified it a bit.

[Mermaid Lulu]

Also I decided to scale the edges of the tail. 12319

[Mermaid Lulu]

New Scales
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New Bra
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[tealmermaid]

n/a

[Mermaid Lulu]

Beautiful! I'm curious, as I've never painted or heat set on Neoprene or spandex... does the VersaTex Fixer still allow the paint to remain flexible? I'm wondering if using the Fixer in the first place would alleviate the heat set problem weakening the fabric glued on the Neoprene.

Thanks
Mermaid Marla


The Versa Tex Fixer doesn't actually dry the paint cold. But it does aid the heat fixing a lot. So I recommend using it in conjunction.

[Aino Revontuletar]

I'm going to be making a neoprene tail and I am thinking of using a fixer as well to avoid having heat damaging my neoprene. I think I will be using screen printing inks. How well has this held up since you painted it? Have you had any problems with cracking / colour fading?