Star's First Tailmaking Experience

[Blondie]

I love watching the progression in your tail! :) Refreshing this page is becoming more addicting then Facebook haha!

[MermaidAubrin]

Wo going great!

[Mermaid Star]

Yay!!! Thanks everyone! :D I will have more hopefully tonight. :) Thank you guys for all of your support. It really helps to drive me. :) Now, time to go to work

[Mermaid Star]

Eeeee!!! My fluke is so close to being ready!

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/420877_243651829059974_164406580317833_528357_1310 242963_n.jpg

One side is completely dried and the other only has a sliver of white still visible.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/422777_243651889059968_164406580317833_528358_1361 330750_n.jpg

Someone had turned the fans off this morning so they weren't as dry as they should have been. I turned them back on when I got home and within a few hours, it was almost completely dry. I am headed to the doctors office and am guessing by the time I get back, it will be time to pull the casting! Yay!!!! I will update as soon as I can. :)

[lasserine]

Ooh congrats.

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you!

I pulled the casting and am just waiting for the video to load before I make a full posting. There were some issues. But I will go over those once the video loads. :)

[Mermaid Star]

Alright! So as I mentioned above I pulled the first half of the casting of my fluke out of the mold today. I took video of the event, Here it is.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFW474SS7SQ

The video really says it all.

So I cut the excess latex away from the casting, which gave me this!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/422599_243751809049976_736584637_n.jpg

As you can see from the photo below, there were an awful lot of bubbles in this first casting, which I am kinda disappointed about. As the video states, If the second casting goes better, I will be placing this one on the back side so the imperfections aren't as noticeable. Either way though, I am going to have to get creative with my painting to try and hide the imperfections in the tail. Then again, if it is still noticeable I can just explain it away as a scar from a fight or epic sea battle LOL.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/429219_10150709936175289_503510288_11581338_117442 3043_n.jpg

This is kinda what it should look like.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/419812_243752275716596_164406580317833_528466_3585 11413_n.jpg

After all of this, I decided that I was ready to pour the second fluke casting. I got my latex poured it in and then slushed and brushed it into place. I had read in several locations on line that some SFX artists use their airbrush to help pop the bubbles and get the latex into the finer details of the mold. I have never used an air compressor before so I researched on line how to use the compressor my dad gave me (it just laying around his place and I needed one). I used it with no problems. I remembered that it said to release the water from the tank every time you use it to prevent rusting. If the tank rusts, it can blow up and cause fatal injury.

Well I finally got the nut loose on the bottom and a bunch of brown liquid came pouring out! I looked on the bottom of the tank only to find more rust. I am a little jittery through all of this as I realize that I could have killed my self. So, lesson learned. Always check your equipment before using it. Especially if you get it used!

Now to add, hunt for a new compressor, to the list.

[ShyMer]

Whoo, scary :O that could have been a disaster!

[Mermaid Star]

Oh, P.S. The goo that I spoke of, was just left over Vaseline that was on the edge. No residual Vaseline remained in the mold. So yay! And just an FYI... This half of the fluke weighs 6lbs alone! Yikes! This is going to be a little heavy! LOL I am going to guess that the final product will be between 15-20 lbs. (I know kind heavy for a latex tail, but it shouldn't be that bad in the water) :)

[Mermaid Star]

I know, Shymer! Still a little shaky. But at least I realized it and didn't keep using it. There goes one of mine nine lives again. I wonder how many I have left.

[Demi]

oh wow.. it's hard to belive this is your first tail. From what i can see the tail is gonne be great, no doubt.
Im really looking forward to see what it's gonna look like when you are done :D

[lynsea]

I LOVE the way you sewed your neoprene. You'll have to let us know how it holds up. I sewed mine the traditional way but this looks much more comfortable.

[AniaR]

wow! just wow!

[Mermaid Annariea]

wow, im so happy for you :D
im so excited to see how it turns out haha.

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you guys! The neoprene seems to hold well with this stitch . I might put one more line down the sides just to be sure it is secure. But it is very comfortable!

I came home and checked the fluke mold. The first layer of the second half is dry. So I poured more latex into the mold. It is a lot of latex in there but I am hoping it will dry with out any problems. I might check on it before i go to bed tonight to be sure it is drying properly. If not, I will have to find a way to pour some of it back so that it will dry properly.

I am expecting some shrinkage in the fluke as it drys completely. I will keep an eye on my first half of my fluke to see just how much it will shrink. I hope not too much!

[Mermaid Star]

Looks as though my fluke is almost dry from it's coat last night and will be ready for another coat by tonight. The temperature has dropped 20 degrees into the 60s over night here in florida and may cause some slow ups in curing. I hope that it wont be too drastic. I still have the fans on in hopes that the fluke will dry faster. So far so good. :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Looking wonderful Star!

[Mermaid Momo]

may i ask where you get your latex from? i've been looking for latex for awhile but i cant find gallon buckets. also, where can i get ultracal 30? i hear that it's more expensive to buy it online because of shipping prices. thankyou(and your scales are just beautiful by the way)♥

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I know you can get latex from MonsterMakers online. :3

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Daggersprez and Lorelei! <3

Yes, Lorelei is correct. I purchased my Latex from Monstermakers.com. They sell it in several sizes all the way up to 5 gallon buckets!

As for the Ultracal, it can be very expensive to ship. I used about 80-90 lbs of Ultracal for my Fluke and Scale molds (total). You can find a distributor of ultracal 30 on these websites!

Lauguna Clay Company (http://www.lagunaclay.com/distributors/)

Special Effects Makeup Supplies (http://www.usg.com/where-to-buy.html)

From what I remember, I went through another website to find my distributor here in St. Pete (Highwater Clay). So, If you can't find your distributor on any of those sights, you might be able to pop "Ultracal 30 Distributors" into google to find more.

Hope that helps! :)

[Mermaid Star]

We did a few things today and since Merpirate was with me... you guessed it, there is video!

Here are the first few Videos. I will upload more as the night goes on. :)

Mixing some orange Latex.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p64Dbo43yD8&amp;feature=autoshare

Prepping the mold and shameless plugs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoaqau3H3l4&amp;feature=related

The beginnings of a new casting


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lczWL1KRh2U&amp;feature=channel

[Mermaid Star]

There were so many that we haven't yet thanked on the second video yet. Merpirate's internet is being difficult so he was unable to finish compiling the list of those we wish to thank. He has assured me that he will continue a little bit later when the signal improves. Thank you all for being so awesome! This community wouldn't be the same with out you! :)

[Mermaid Star]

Finishing up the scales for the night and cleaning


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsuilNdGqOU&amp;feature=related

[merpirate]

OK so I have now added every single person, who has posted on here .................. DAMN There are a lot of you people!!!!, the full list totals 43 (Damn, one to many....) But in case you don't go to youtube directly Thank you to. Dr.SeaWeed, jukumerboii, secret_ocean, AniaR, MermaidLorelei, Odette, Syrenia, WingédMermaid, Aquatica, MermaidJewel, Anaria, ShyMer, MermaidShelly, Neotail, SireniaSolaris, MermaidPandorah, merboy78x, taom, Mermaid Marla, MermaidLanai, Mizuko, happyguava, neonmermaid, RêveD'eau, Mermaid Sirena, Yemar Pina, lynsea, Azurin Luna, malinghi, LindseyLu, Mermaid Aqua, koiboi, iblondie, Aela, lasserine, Mermaid Jewel, jukumerboii, Mermaid Brianna, MermaidAubrin, Selene, Alveric, Demi, draggersprez, ANd everyone who reads this but doesn't post

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Awwwww, you're welcome you two! Keep up the amazing work!

[Mermaid Star]

:D!!!

So as you know, I mixed up some orange latex today and poured my scales. I just went back into the room where I do my casting an they were completely dry! Wow! I checked them and they felt a little bit thinner than I remember the other scale sheet being so I poured a little regular latex on the back of the sheet for a little added thickness and support. It should be dry by tomorrow. :) Also, My fluke was dry so I added another thick layer to it. Hoping it will be dry enough for another layer tomorrow night! Fins crossed!

[lasserine]

Keep up the great work. You are a inspiration to us.

[Demi]

it looks amazing :D

[Batfish]

Hi Star, I'm really enjoying following your progress! Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to make my own tail but am afraid it would end up costing just as much and taking WAY more time than buying one. Plus I am not very good at sticking to such a project long-term. I'd probably end up with a half-finished tail sitting in my closet for years. You are very inspiring though!

One question I have is about the neoprene. Neoprene has tiny air bubbles encapsulated in it so it is positively buoyant in the water. For example, when wearing a wetsuit it is extremely difficult to dive under the water (without weighting yourself down with a weight belt etc) and the neoprene just wants to float. Is this something you are aware of and have thought about or planned for? Are you thinking that the weight of the latex should help balance out the buoyancy of the neoprene?


(And sorry if this is a dumb question that's answered elsewhere on this forum, it sounds like others have made or are making neoprene tails (and/or tail bases/liners) but I haven't read anything about the buoyancy and whether it is an issue.)

[Mermaid Star]

heard that it will balance out. I am going to have a relatively heavy tail for latex. I am estimating that the tail will be approximately 15-20 lbs as half of my fluke weighs 6 lbs by it self. My monofin floats as well if I take it off in the pool. But I think this should balance it all out and end up being warmer for me in the end. :)

I chose neoprene as a barrier because it was a little thicker (I was recommended all over the network) and will protect my skin from the latex even after one side is saturated with latex (to attach the scales to the neoprene).

[Mermaid Annariea]

eeeepp i cant wait to see the finished taaaiilll :DD

[Mermaid Star]

So I pulled the scales out of the mold last night and they are drying as we speak. The Fluke was dry, so I added the last layer of latex to the mold. When it is dry, I will be pulling it out. Eeee! I can't wait. Almost there! :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

How did the second scale pull turn out? I know you were a little worried about imperfections in the mold. Oh, and I almost forgot, YAY!

[AniaR]

I wouldnt worry too much about imperfections, I think they only end up noticeable when people rush. Im really interested though in seeing Latex done this way. Cant wait to photograph you!

[Mermaid Star]

Eeee! I can't wait either!

Merpirate suggested that we try and pour the latex into the mold since we were seeing a lot of bubbles while painting it in. I was worried that it would cause more bubbles to pour it. But we decided to try it and see which one worked better. The verdict is.... painting latex in is better! This casting has a good bit more bubbles in it than the first one. I am sure that they will not be a problem once I start painting as I believe that the paint will help fill the holes. (I hope)

Here is a picture of the scale pull. (sorry the scales are still kinda dirty from being pulled out. I think I will have to clean them before painting.)

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/424535_246426702115820_164406580317833_534820_1161 429014_n.jpg

It doesn't look too bad in some areas but in small patches, there are quite a few bubbles. I will fix them, though :)

[merpirate]

Sorry baby, it was a idea that should have been thought out more I guess. they look great though, the color is perfect though from the photo I guess

[Mermaid Star]

It is ok baby. Now we know what works. We have to make mistakes to learn. :) The color is pretty close if not right on. I will have to get the other sheet out and see how close we got. :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Well, it looks fantastic from here! I'm curious though, did it shrink the same amount?

[Mermaid Star]

Not yet, but it was two or three days after pulling that I took those pictures. This sheet has a few more days left to get to that point. I will trim it and check the shrinkage. I know it did shrink, just not sure how much yet. I will let you know in a few days. :)

[lynsea]

I assume that you are going to add more colors to the sheet of scales once the whole thing is completed (but feel free to call me out if I am wrong). How are you planning on adding paint to the latex so it is as permanent as the orange color in your sheet?

[Mermaid Star]

I will be adding more colors. The orange you see is just in case I scrape the tail, there will be color underneath. I will be adding my paint to the clear latex paint base that I purchased through Monster makers. The paint will be infused into the latex base so it should behave just like another layer of latex.

[Odette]

I will be adding more colors. The orange you see is just in case I scrape the tail, there will be color underneath. I will be adding my paint to the clear latex paint base that I purchased through Monster makers. The paint will be infused into the latex base so it should behave just like another layer of latex.
woah. that sounds amazing and difficult. kudos!!!

[AniaR]

I dont see a picture!

[Mermaid Star]

Alright! So the fluke finished curing today! :) Yay!!!

Here is is all cured in the mold

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/420041_247027652055725_164406580317833_536064_1463 96115_n.jpg

As you can see the sides were a little curled up and had been for days now as the fluke continued to dry. This became a problem as you will soon see. I carefully pulled the casting out of the mold.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/420043_247027712055719_164406580317833_536065_1906 510981_n.jpg

If you look closely you will see some drips, here

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/427045_247027752055715_164406580317833_536066_1466 889817_n.jpg

and here.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/422045_247027778722379_164406580317833_536067_2015 767213_n.jpg

This occurred because of the latex curling and pulling away from the mold. When adding more latex, some of it spilled over the edge. I must be more careful when working. I took a pair of scissors and tried to trim the drips down a bit.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/430419_247030392055451_164406580317833_536072_1820 597807_n.jpg

I have a feeling the dremmel is going to have to come out for this one. If anyone knows a better way to take care of this, please let me know.

It isn't super noticeable in the picture, but in person, it is. I will work on getting this smooth though.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/425737_247030302055460_164406580317833_536070_1117 039963_n.jpg

After I trimmed everything up, I really wanted to see if there was any shrinkage and if so, how much. I placed the freshly pulled fluke face down on the ground and then laid the older fluke on top. It looks as though there was minimal shrinkage but enough to make the flukes not line up properly. So I will have to wait a few days for the fluke to shrink in order to get them to lined up properly and get them glued together.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/432097_247030418722115_164406580317833_536073_4423 65919_n.jpg

I will keep you all updated as much as I can. :)

[Mermaid Star]

@ Raina Which picture can't you see?

[Mermaid Jewel]

OK so I have now added every single person, who has posted on here .................. DAMN There are a lot of you people!!!!, the full list totals 43 (Damn, one to many....) But in case you don't go to youtube directly Thank you to. Dr.SeaWeed, jukumerboii, secret_ocean, AniaR, MermaidLorelei, Odette, Syrenia, WingédMermaid, Aquatica, MermaidJewel, Anaria, ShyMer, MermaidShelly, Neotail, SireniaSolaris, MermaidPandorah, merboy78x, taom, Mermaid Marla, MermaidLanai, Mizuko, happyguava, neonmermaid, RêveD'eau, Mermaid Sirena, Yemar Pina, lynsea, Azurin Luna, malinghi, LindseyLu, Mermaid Aqua, koiboi, iblondie, Aela, lasserine, Mermaid Jewel, jukumerboii, Mermaid Brianna, MermaidAubrin, Selene, Alveric, Demi, draggersprez, ANd everyone who reads this but doesn't post

I think you repeated a few names and that's why it's so long! Haha

I'm so happy for you star :) It's looking great, and especially for your first tail!

[Winged Mermaid]

Everything looks amazing! That's the good thing about making something with good latex or silicone- you can basically paint on and have the paint fuze to the material so it won't scrap off! No water based paints here, no sir!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Looking absolutely wonderful Star!

[Mermaid Marla]

Wow - this is so exciting!!! That fluke looks brilliant! Can hardly wait for the next step! Thank you so much for sharing your tail journey with us every step of the way! It's fascinating to see how it all comes together and the amount of work that goes into one of these things!!!

[lasserine]

Wow, the fluke looks great.

[OrcaMatt]

Wow, this is awesome! I saw all the pictures on facebook but never actually read the thread until now (haven't been super-active lately I guess).

Definitely looking forward to the late-construction steps, because those are the ones I have more trouble working out how you'd do. Keep up the great work!

[Mermaid Star]

Thanks guys! The later construction is where I have my doubts too. This will kinda be a shot in the dark for me and hope it works. I will be using e-6000 as an adhesive and slight filler for my fluke (when it gets here). I will be using latex to attach the scales as Dr. Seaweed has suggested and more E-6000 to attach the scales and fluke together. You could probably just do it with more latex. But I am really hard on my costumes, so I want to make sure the bond is really strong, so I am going with an actual adhesive and see how it goes. :)

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I'm curious to hear how the E-6000 works. I wouldn't have thought to try that.

[merpirate]

it is coming down to the wire, but with a little luck the tail should be done in time for Star's swim with AinaR I have move video to upload and a few phots mayeb later, but thought you all would like a update

[merpirate]

deleted video and post as explained

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Tedious, but beautiful work. Good job you guys!

[taom]

Oh man I remember do this with my tail. Except my scale sheets were about a square foot. I spent days trimming and shaping those things. You't way of making one huge scale sheet was a much better idea. I didn't realize how big your mold was until this video! Good work!!

[Mermaid Mako]

Everything looks gorgeous so far! And E-6000 is awesome...I just used it to put new padded feet on my sewing machine base because it was scratching up everything.

[merpirate]

:UPDATE: It turns out that with the time we have to finish we will not be using this idea and have laid a new sheet to make this part for so I will be pulling down the video. Sorry everybody, my fault

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Don't worry about it Merpirate. :>

[OrcaMatt]

:UPDATE: It turns out that with the time we have to finish we will not be using this idea and have laid a new sheet to make this part for so I will be pulling down the video. Sorry everybody, my faultIt looked really time-consuming and I was sort of sitting there going "Is that really going to work? All those little cuts?"

This is definitely the part I've been waiting for, how you get from a sheet of scales to a tail-shaped thing!

[lasserine]

Hope you finish it on time. Looks great so far.

[merpirate]

Ok new video is now here, sorry about the change, hope you like this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQM3au7iM-0

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Haha, bug swatting wars!
And Star, those colors are looking lovely!

[SireniaSolaris]

Looking GREAT :)

[AniaR]

SO AMAZING

[LittleTreasure]

That looks so awesome! Keep up the good work!

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you guys! I have been so busy I haven't had the time to update. i hope to work on my tail more as I have run into some issues. Neoprene is stretchier than Latex.... Must remember this! I thought my measurements were off and felt that my tail was going to be too big... So I cut it down so it fit snugly... Mistake! I should have kept it my original measurements. So I will be ripping part of the scales away and adding a couple more inches of neoprene. Gah! Well, it is a learning process. The Scales did eventually dry after hanging it next to a fan on high. :)

The Fluke is still drying I believe. I poured a little too much latex into the pockets where the glue didn't take (must remember to add smaller, heavier items to the tail while drying) so it is still curing.

[Mermaid Nyla]

mermaid star! do not ever ever EVER delete this forum or any info you've posted. all this information and pictures are absolutely amazing! and not to mention extremely helpful! I've kinduv just been stalking this thread, waiting and watching, and i am so impressed! btw, i love the colors you have, with the tint of gold, stunning. and i love the heart shape of your fluke. its absolutely adorable :)
one day, once i get enough money, i WILL make a latex tail. ooooh that would be so amazing. :) when you done could you tell us about how much you spent making this gorgeous tail?
thanks for being an amazing role model!

[Mermaid Star]

Awww!!! Thank you Nyorio! I don't have any plans of taking this thread down. So I think it is safe. I will try and give a gist of the amount I spent. I can't remember exactly how much everything cost but currently (with some mistakes) I have spent a little under $600 with a lot of blood sweat and tears. That includes all of the materials for molds and creating those molds along with a Compressor and air brush ect... So if I were to make another tail the cost wouldn't be as high. But I don't think you can get any more custom than creating a tail your self. It is totally worth it! :) And such a good feeling to know that you can in fact create your own! :)

I can't wait to see what your tail will look like! :D

[Nyx]

wow this is amazing! wonderful job.
The colors are gorgeous.
All your hard work is really paying off, I can't wait to see how this looks when you're done! :)

[Mermaid Star]

Thank You Nyx!

It is slow moving at the moment. I am adding neoprene on the sides of my scales to expand the size of the tail after my cutting mishap. It is slow moving since I am sewing by hand after I finish my day and it can really take some time to do. Hope that it will be fully attached by the end of tomorrow. Then hopefully attaching more scales so they can dry during the week. My goal is to have the tail very near finished by the end of the month... which is the end of this week! Ahhh!

[Nyx]

My pleasure.
I applaud you for sewing it by hand XD.
I've had various small projects where I have had to sew it by hand and it's just not fun.

[Mermaid Dottie]

Oh my gosh! i just sat here for 45 minutes reading this entire thread. I am SO pulling for you! I'm thinking that this thread is going to help me SO so much in making my own tail.

Best Fishes! I will be constantly looking in here for updates. :)

[Kanti]

For real
Thanks so much for posting this Star! :')
It was really nice of you to show us how you made it.
I know putting all this info out there is something most other
people would dread and it's risky too, so I'm really grateful
that you took the time to do all this!

[merpirate]

Update: Star has been working hard on the tail and matching the scales currently, we are also moving and the like so it will take some time, but have no fear, we are close to the end of this. I promise that soon we will post up somethings about it.

[Taniwha]

Good to hear and good luck with the move :) I'm sure I'm not the only one checking back here everyday for updates!

[Mermaid Star]

Aw you guys are so sweet! I am sorry it has been so long. It is true that we are in the middle of a move so we have been juggling a lot. I am trying to finish the tail for a possible gig next week. So I am trying to move quickly. I finished sewing all of the sections by hand and then found it was too big after adding some scales to the side. I had to rip that off, cut the sides down by about half and then resew. I have attached the recently re-sized scales in the sides. Next step, attaching the scales from the front and back to the sides. For some reason my Latex was failing to bond to the scales the other day, So I changed to a lower viscosity latex and am using clips to maintain surface contact. This seem to be working much better! I also have been adding some scales to the fluke to ensure that everything is covered. Things are coming along much better now! :) I will try to take pictures and upload them here. I have been a bit of a slacker when it comes to taking pictures since I have been kinda busy and pushing to finish this project along with full time work and school.

I hope I will be able to update you shortly! :D

[Mermaid Star]

So, like I said, I want to try and keep you updated. I apologize now for the quality of the pictures. I was taking them with my phone's camera and they aren't as nice as my point and shoot. But here you can see my progress.

Here, I was gluing down the side scales. Obviously, there still needs to be quite a bit of painting on the sides. Excessive pulling and tearing on the latex will cause extreme stretching and will cause the paint to crack. I do not foresee stretching it this much with use. But I am still trying to figure out how to tint the latex and keep the pearlesent shine of the paint. Currently, I have not found a product that i have tested, that will do this in the Latex family. If you do know of a product that will allow paint to show threw in it's true form rather than a matte version, please let me know!
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/581095_269071353184688_164406580317833_593913_2455 39406_n.jpg

I also found that my scales didn't come down as far as i needed them to onto the fluke. So I am adding them to the fluke it self so it will blend into the tail and have a nice angled look to it that I can control. The picture is of the backside of the fluke as it is the side that needs the most coverage. I hope to move to the front side today to make some additions there as well. I used excess scales from when I cut down my tail. I have not had to really re-pour anything other than the bottom portion where I knew I would have to for length reasons. So there shouldn't be too much waste in this project. :) The patch that you see in this picture has been painted a few colors as it was a test patch for some different paints. But I didn't want to waste it, so i am using it! :) This is not the color that these scales will be. It will be painted once everything is together. Again, sorry for the quality.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/528484_269071323184691_164406580317833_593912_2345 86058_n.jpg

Hopefully, I will be able to update you again soon!

[Kanti]

Wow Star it all looks really good!
I can't wait to see everything in the end~ It's going to look super awesome!

[Mermaid Star]

Awe, Thank you Kanti! I can't wait for the final product! Eeee. Going to work on it some more now. I have to have it finished by Thursday as i already have a gig booked! Ahhh!!!! Must finish!

[Kanti]

How do you like the feel of your latex btw?
Is it very slippery/slimey/skin feeling or is it very foamy and dry like those elven ears
they sell?
I have some latex from a 3rd party brand and it dries nice and shiny but I was considering just
getting the monster makers instead since it comes in such large quantities.

[Mermaid Dottie]

That looks amazing Star!
I'm sure you can finish it in less than a week, you don't have that much more to go!
Huzzah!

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Dottie!

As for the latex feel, it doesn't really feel fleshy to the touch. It is a little harder than that. If it is really thick it kinda feels fleshy but very much a rubbery feel. It is Mask making latex so it kinda has the feel of a high quality Halloween mask.

[Mermaid Star]

I am beginning to adhere the two halves of the scales together on the bottom where the foot pocket will be. I am using More latex to adhere it and clamps to help keep surface contact.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/156210_10150797632880289_503510288_11911515_644964 104_n.jpg

I am also adding scales to the front of my fluke to ensure full coverage of the areas of the fluke I want covered. Again, Nothing is painted as it will be on the fluke.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/561372_10150797633160289_503510288_11911518_200616 0325_n.jpg

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Woo! Go Star!

[Kanti]

Wow xD
That's a lot of clamps!
Awesome work
I seriously can't wait to see it done! It's so close now~ :x

[Mermaid Star]

I know and I can't seem to get it done fast enough! I have to have it done by Thursday for a gig, which is extremely important to me. Trying to speed up the process. I already have one mistake and I am hoping I have time to fix it before the gig, but if not, I hope no one else will notice but me. I have to get more clamps tomorrow (I know it seems like I have plenty... but I kinda need more). I have to maintain consistent and constant surface contact until the latex is dry. hence the 5 million clamps. I can only do about a foot at a time and since I need it done by Thursday, I need to increase the footage that I can work on at one time. Fingers crossed!

[Kanti]

Btw Star are the clamps for helping the latex really stick in there?
I guess I just never thought of using them before so I'm a little confused.
Do you think they're necessary?

[Mermaid Star]

For me, they are super necessary. Nothing was heavy enough to hold the scales to each other to maintain contact. If there isn't close enough contact, it either doesn't stick or it sticks up too much and makes it look too much like several pieces. I am trying my best to make all of the pieces blend but it is a little more difficult than anticipated. So, yes, the clamps are to maintain contact while drying.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

I have that exact same kind of clamp lying around my garage. They're surprisingly strong little things.

[Kanti]

I was JUST about to ask where I could get some clamps like those xD
I suppose Home Depot Lowes or maybe even Walmart??

I'd never thought of using them xD

[laamberry]

This is absolutely amazing!

[Mermaid Dottie]

OH my gosh.... I'm just so excited that I check this thread practically every day. >.<

[Mermaid Star]

I am continuing to latex the scales into place on the sides of the tail. I am hoping to have the scales fully latexed tomorrow. If I have time, I will try to take pictures or video of what I am doing. It is a little difficult without merpirate around but since we are under a time crunch, I can't wait for our schedules to mesh to get work done. But Hopefully I will be able to document the process a little.

Tonight, I was able to paint my fluke a little. I am not sure I am completely satisfied with how it looks, but it is getting there. I may add a little more white to the bottom. Not sure just yet. Only the top half is currently painted. I have to wait until this side dries before I can work on the back side. Hopefully I can get some more of the painting done soon. (Tomorrow or Wednesday)

This is what I have managed to finish tonight.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/535656_272486559509834_164406580317833_599720_7296 65325_n.jpg

[Mermaid Star]

As for the clamps, I was able to get the ones I was using in a bag of 14 (various sizes) for $12-$13 at Lowes.

[Blondie]

Whoa!!! Looks great!! :D Can't wait to see the rest of it! You can do it!

[Kanti]

Omg you're so close!!! It's literally just a hop away at this point!
I'm super excited for you!!

You'll have this done by thursday at this rate!

[Mermaid Star]

I hope so Kanti, I hope so. I will be attaching the fluke and the scales tonight when I get home tonight so it will be dry enough to paint tomorrow night. I am working late tonight and tomorrow but I will try to update you all as much as possible

[Mermaid Dottie]

Even if you can't update us all before your gig, we are still SO excited for you. We REALLY want you to succeed! Don't worry about updating us until after your gig if need be. We will all totally get it.

JOO CAN DOO EEEET!!!!

[Kanti]

You can do it!!
It's so closssseeee!! You better take a zillion pictures! >8(

[Mermaid Rillia]

Wow that fluke is wonderful! I wish I had the money for all of my materials. Makes me want to spark some creativity...

Keep up the amazing work!

[MermaidRaegan]

So cloooose! I literally can not wait to see if you've finished it in time!

[merpirate]

OK so Star has told me she finished the tail on time and will be wearing it tonight, I will do my best to take some photos of her at the show. WOOT!! Tail complete!!

[Spindrift]

Awesome! I will be waiting eagerly alongside everyone else!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

YES! Thank you for the update merpirate and congratulations Star! That's incredible!

[Nyx]

Oh gosh it looks GORGEOUS,
I can't wait to see what it looks like when you are done.
Eeep, I'm excited to see the end result XD

[LittleTreasure]

Looks great, keep going! So excited...

[Mermaid Dottie]

Today is Thursday
I sure hope you've got it!
So so so so close!

[Mermaid Star]

I did in fact complete it on time and was able to wear it at my gig and get an encore the next night. :) finals are this week at school, but I will try to get some info and pictures up when I can.

[Bellasea]

Can't wait to see the pictures! :)

[merpirate]

Here is a link to where some of the photos are from the photographer Hannah Havok. We will be posting ours up soon http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=276103369149110&set=a.276103039149143.63700.109130392513076&type=3

[Spindrift]

I only see two so here they are for easy reference:

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/549368_276103369149110_109130392513076_601878_2979 84361_n.jpg


http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/575594_276103569149090_109130392513076_601880_1134 383836_n.jpg

[Mermaid Dottie]

YES!!!!
MAjor Score!!!

[merpirate]

opps my bad, in that case here is the photos I took as well as a few others http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150824996525289.461033.503510288&type=3

[merpirate]

of course this one is my favorite
2578

[Spindrift]

opps my bad, in that case here is the photos I took as well as a few others http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150824996525289.461033.503510288&type=3

It says "Content Unavailable". I think you have to change the privacy settings on the album.

[merpirate]

ok try this one http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.275764472515376.63480.164406580317833&type=1

[Kanti]

WOW STAR!!!
That is an AMAZING tail! I think equal to a Raven tail! Those raised scales and the fluke look
absolutely amazing! I can't wait to see a swim video of it <333
Great job!!! :'DD

[MermaidRaegan]

There are no words!!!!!!!! Besides to say that all that hard work paid off BIG TIME. :D

[Ilonka]

you look amazing, must be an awesome feeling to finally wear it! Great job !

[AniaR]

SO PROUD

[Nyx]

It looks amazing!
Wonderful job :highfive:

[Syrenia]

Omg Star! I've been following this thread since you started it! It took you a long time to get it done, but SERIOUS SUCCESS! It's absolutely fin-tastic!!!!!

[Mermaasai]

2591

[LittleTreasure]

SQUEEEEEEEE! I love it! You did such an awesome job! :yay:

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you guys!!! I promise I will do an update soon. It is finals and I am moving into a new house so things are kinda hectic. I will update what I did and how I did it. I know there are people wanting to know how I finished the project and the final steps that tend to be left out of these kinds of things. I still have to do a water test and such. I am sure there will be more hurtles to overcome. I was able to get the tail on and do a dry event but I am unsure of it's sea worthiness and whether I will be able to keep the straps on my feet as I swim with the weight of the fluke. I shall see if it works and if not, I will have to devise a way to keep it on. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it

[Claudefish]

Major Congratulations!! It looks amazing amazing!!!! WHAAAAAAAA!!!!

[AniaR]

I wish I could come take your photo agaaaaain

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Claud! And Raina, I wish you were here too so we could go to the beach again and get some more underwater shots! I loved the ones I got this last time. If I get a chance tomorrow after my doctors appointment , I would like to go see if my tail can handle the water. I will have to charge my camera tonight just in case it works and I can get some pictures! :) Crossing fingers and hoping!

[malinghi]

WHOA!!! THAT TAIL ROCKS!!

[Mermaid Star]

I am uploading the last of my videos (I think) so I can make a post. As usual it is taking a while to upload the videos usually about 180mins per video (Darn internet signal!) I took my tail for a test drive and was able to get a little video, thought the water was VERY cloudy. The pool isn't normally that cloudy. The chemicals must have been off. I will hopefully be posting within the next day or so.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Woo! Congratulations Star!

[Mermaid Star]

Yay! The videos finally finished uploading! (Two days later, LOL) Anyway I am trying to remember where I left off.

Ah, I believe I was still working on my fluke. Some of you may know that I was having trouble with my fluke lining up properly. On one casting the fluke pulled away from the mold wall while drying and caused it to become malformed. When I put the two haves together they did not line up properly. (This could also have something to do with human error as it was sculpted by hand) So instead of tossing the entire thing out which would have been seriously expensive. I chose to use the casting and alter it a little to make it seem like it fit together when it didn't. Here is what I did. I chose to sand/grind the latex down so that the sides would match up. Both sides needed this. It looks a little messy when working on it, but after it was painted, it wasn't really noticeable. Here is a short video showing a little bit of what I did. P.S. Pay no mind to the stuff stuck on my face... it is just latex that I was grinding off.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu8KzEwJhvs&amp;feature=youtu.be

I found that it was better to hold the dremel so that the top of the head was facing the object rather than the side of it when grinding with this head. It made for a smoother outcome.

After that was finished I painted the other side of my fluke (Which I have no pictures of by it self) and then continued to finish adhering the scales to the sides of the tail.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/524050_10150808303675289_503510288_11958164_176031 4470_n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/535536_10150808305035289_503510288_11958170_116562 4544_n.jpg

After adhering the side scales to them selves, I then made ready to adhere the fluke to the upper scale portion of the tail. I set the tail about where I wanted it to be and got my supplies ready.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s720x720/543390_10150808305410289_503510288_11958172_190280 7390_n.jpg

A close up of my fluke before adhering the scales to it.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/556182_10150808305915289_503510288_11958174_983767 184_n.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gED2Fitj23w&amp;feature=youtu.be

I didn't get any pictures of this but I clamped the scales down to the Fluke so it would stay in contact with each other. I did find after filming this that it is best to remove all paint from the surfaces that you wish to adhere as the paint will prevent it from truly adhering and will cause issues down the road. I then finishe painting the remainder to the tail... Mostly the sides.

My tail after it was dry, done less than a day before the gig. Tail Front

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/156418_275754945849662_164406580317833_606795_1495 237171_n.jpg


Tail back

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/398789_275755045849652_164406580317833_606798_2770 56204_n.jpg

It was very snug and I couldn't get into the tail... I had to figure out what to do. I looked up on line how to get into tight latex cloths and found that a personal lubricant will work... Ok! So I went out to the store and bought the biggest (since I would have to slather myself in it... twice) and cheapest personal lubricant I could find that was safe for latex. I found astroglide was the cheapest. I tested it out on my feet and was able to get much farther in but not all the way. But I knew if I slathered it all over my legs I was sure to get all the way in my tail with some pulling. I got to the venue with all that I needed. I didn't see my friend or the Director I so desperately wanted to meet and impress. So I started getting ready with a photographer that was filming the whole thing (That reel must be a hoot!) I got most of the way in and got stuck part of the way in. I needed more lube on my calves but couldn't reach. My best friend Christina was there and offered to help! My hero! So she put some lube on her hand and shoved her hand all the way down to my calf... This is about where the director I wanted to impress walked into the room. (LOL) She pulled her arm out and we resume pulling the tail on. All the while Darren Lynn Bousmen (The director) comes over and introduces himself to me and my friends (Christina and my love Merpirate). Covered in lube we shake his hand and finish up getting ready. Success! The tail is on enough to do what we need to do.

And this is what it looked like (Getting ready to film a snippet for Telemundo)

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/580195_10150825002510289_503510288_11984081_130309 9160_n.jpg

After doing my gigs I took some time off. And then just yesterday, I decided to take my tail for a swim. I already knew that their would be problems. I was just unsure of how bad they would be. I have already had some trouble getting into the tail but wanted to see how difficult it would be to get into it in the water. Because of the tightness I could not get to the straps for my monofin. This was my biggest issue. Also, I was unsure of how long I would be able to keep the straps on my feet as I could usually only get one on. I also knew I hadn't heat set my pain so I was pretty sure it would come off. I just wasn't sure how much or how fast.

When I got to the pool, I noticed i was pretty cloudy. I had never seen it this cloudy. But I wanted to try out my tail so I decided to get in anyway. I put my tail in the water first to see if it would sink or not. Strangely, it is neutrally buoyant and stayed where ever I put it in the water! Yay! It was still very hard to get it on even in the water and I could still only get one strap on. The paint came off in chunks as if I were moulting. Lucky for me. I still had orange latex underneath. I finally got it on with one foot strapped into the monofin and I decided I was going to try and swim. Since that is what I was there for. About 2-3 kicks in. I came out of the monofin but I was still able to swim with my arms and get to the other side safely. If my feet were able to stay in the monofin. I am sure it would have swum like a dream. It felt really good in the water and I was comfortable with the weight in the water (Out of the water it weighs 21 lbs, dry with the fluke weighing 12 lbs alone.) Here is a video of my very first test swim


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TRZZjAYIOE&amp;feature=relmfu

Picture of the paint damage and my make shift drying system that Merpirate thought up for me.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/542938_10150852108885289_503510288_12070449_978351 764_n.jpg

Like I said there was some pretty extreme damage to the paint so I will have to do a test on the paint once it is heat set and if that doesn't work I will have to test some other paints and possibly strip all of the paint and mix it with latex and do a coat that way and then paint again on top of the colored latex base to give it the shimmer I want. I also have a design that I will be sharing with all of you later about how to keep my monofin straps on. In order for this design to work I will have to access them through a cut made by the heel. So I will have to devise heel fins to cover the zipper that I will be putting in so that i can access the straps and hopefully make it easier to get on.

And so the tail saga continues. Keep your self tuned in as we continue this tail making adventure together!

[Kanti]

Gah Star it looks amazing, seriously!
I couldn't tell that you had any problems in the video, it looks gorgeous!
The movement of the fluke.. It also looks like it propels you through the water very well with
little effort.

Either way AMAZING!
I'm really glad you got it done by your due date! Those are always annoying to adhere to

[Mermaid Star]

Thanks Kanti! It felt really nice and I was very comfortable. I would normally be cold in the water but the neoprene made it feel very nice. I like what I can see of the movement but I will need to do another test, obviously, once I have made all of the fixes to the tail. I am sure the water will be clearer and we can get a better video of it and some better pictures as well! :) I am excited to know what I have to do. Now I just need to make some time to do it. (Moving and getting the house ready to move into is taking some time) :D Thank you for always checking out my thread and commenting. It really helps drive me forward. Thank you! <3

[lynsea]

I LOVE that you go through the troubleshooting process here. It is so useful! Your tail looks amazing and I can't wait to see how you solve all of these problems.

[Mermaid Star]

Thanks Lynsea! I am hoping that all of my problems and issues can help others not make the same mistakes. That what this whole community is about. Helping each other and finding out what works and what doesn't. I thank all of the mermaids and Mermen before me that figured things out. Now it is my turn to share and hopefully others will learn from me! Thank you for supporting my venture. I will continue to post my experiences as long as there are experiences to post. :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Star, you are my mer hero! I plan on following in your finsteps right after my merling is born (and just as soon as the extra baby weight is off).

This Song (http://pl.st/s/767703825) is dedicated to you, and all my other Inspirational merpeople.

[Mermaid Star]

Aw, Dottie!!! You are SO Sweet! Thank you!!! :D I have never had someone dedicate a song to me before. You are awesome! I hope that you will share all of your experiences with your tail making on here too for all to enjoy. I will be watching as well. I can't wait to see what everyone will come up with! :D

[Mermaid Dottie]

Absolutely! how could I not share my experience? I've learned so much from the experiences and tutorials of others, it would be totally rude not to share myself!

[lestats_violin]

Ok so I just want to comment on the Devil's Carnival T-shirt, since no one has yet!! Yay for Mermaid Carnies and cross-genre nerds!!

[malinghi]

I LOVE that you go through the troubleshooting process here. It is so useful! Your tail looks amazing and I can't wait to see how you solve all of these problems.

This whole thing is amazing.

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Malinghi!!! It means so much. :) As soon as I get enough money and an idea of how I will be doing the heel fins I will begin the next process of cutting, sculpting, molding and casting to fix some of the issues with this tail. Lord help me. LOL

@Lestats_Violin Thank you for knowing what TDC is! Yay fellow nerd! If you liked the shirt, you might like this pic.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/564887_10150832388315289_503510288_12012783_743523 672_n.jpg

Eeeee!!!!!

[lestats_violin]

Sooo great! They are so nice! I've met them 3 times now. Most recently at the Toronto show. Was fantastic!!! I bet they loved your tail!
It's so funny, I was kind of thinking to myself that showing up as a sideshow mermaid would be hella cool, but since my barely started tail project has been sitting in limbo for almost a year now, I didn't think I could have it done in time, and I wasn't prepared to rush it.

[Mermaid Star]

Awesome! Over the years I have become friends with Terrance. However this was the first time I had met Darren. Both guys are awesome and Darren was very kind. I have to get a picture of my poster where Darren wrote "the hottest mermaid in the world". That really made me smile. A great gig and a great Weekend with the Devil's Carnival Florida! :) (Really glad Merpirate are not alone in our fandom of TDC :D )

[Mermaid Rillia]

Star your tail looks so amazing! Im so glad you finished it.
Will be looking forward to seeing the new paint job and the new heel straps. :)

[*Celine*]

I have just read this entire thread form page 1 until 20 and I am astounded. You are crazy, Star!!! But in the good way off course :-D, waow, I really admire you and thank you for sharing your process with us. You inspire me, maybe someday I'll be able to do what you did...

You are Mercredible!!!

[lasserine]

Star, love the progress. Great looking tail and glad to see it finished.

[Mermaid Annariea]

that was incredible. your tail is gorgeous, congrats, star :D

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you guys! As I said before, I will be doing some surgery on the tail to make it perform better. I will share as much with you all as possible. I will be cutting the tail open from ankle to calf on the back side and putting in a zipper to allow easier access to the monofin straps and then adding fins to over the zipper. I may add an additional zipper up near the top to tighten the waist. but that is still up in the air as it is not required for the functionality of the tail. I will also be adding some additional straps to the monofin for a better fit and to ensure that the monofin stays on. I will not be cutting into the tail until my molds are made for my new fins as the tail can still function for dry events at the this and I don't want to put my self out of commission for these events if they should arise. (I got a call for one recently but couldn't take it as if was for the next day and I had to work but the company saidthey would kep me in mind for future opportunities :) )

[Mermaid Narina]

Hi, im Natasha, and i was watching your youtube vids and then i found this site! I love your tail!!!!!! i have been reading the whole thing through the last few days and i have decided i want to make a green tail..
im 15 so i dont exactly have alot of money, and i was wondering how much you think the whole project cost all up?

[Mermaid Star]

Welcome Natasha! I remember you! :) For the whole thing, I probably spent somewhere around $600. It isn't exactly a cheap en devour but it is well worth it in the end (since you can make more than just one tail with the materials you use/create [ie. moulds]) There are several methods out there for the more budget friendly mermaid. Many of them are listed on this website. Feel free to poke around the site and find which one is best for you! Happy Swimming!

[Mermaid Narina]

thankyou! :)

[Mermaid Star]

Hello Everyone!

I had a few questions today that were sent to my private message box in regards to my process. So I wanted to be sure to answer them here incase I forgot to include them in my thread.


How long did you wait between pouring layers of latex?

The reason I did not list the drying times for latex is because it depends upon the weather and atmosphere. The hotter and drier it is, the faster latex dries. Latex must be applied in layers because it uses the air to dry by evaporating the liquid in the latex (rather than by chemical reaction like silicone), leaving only the rubber behind. I usually waited a few hours between layers but on some nights the top of the mold was dry by the time I made it to the bottom and was able to add a second layer immediately.

What did you use as a release agent?

Since latex shrinks as it dries, it does not need a release agent. Remember to not use anything with petroleum jelly in it as it will damage latex. I had to spend hours scrubbing and rinsing out my molds after using Vaseline as a release to release my sculptures from the molds. If you do use it for this purpose be sure to clean it out very well.


In other news, I have begun the cleaning process of my soon to be studio. The back third is clean and can begin work shortly on the renovations to my tail. I am quite excited to have this done and am hoping to have my tail finished by mid September. Here to hoping!

[Keiris]

Star, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching this and seeing your beautiful tail come to fruition! It just looks awesome. I am new here and it has been really rewarding seeing so much interest in mermaids. I have had the addiction since I was a small boy seeing the live mermaids at Disneyland like 150 years ago. I am so tempted to give it a shot to make one of my own. Lorelei has been so gracious to answer a couple of questions along the way. This has really been informative and gives everyone a realistic idea of the amount of time it takes to create such an art piece. If I take the plunge, may I ask for a little guidance along the way? CONGRATS!!!!! I admire your creativity and tenacity.

[Mermaid Star]

Absolutely! Feel free to ask away. I would be glad to help! I try and cover everything I can think of that someone might ask. But I will inevitably miss something along the way. So if I know the answer I will be sure to give the answer
:) Thank you for commenting. It really does drive me!

[Mermaid Sirena]

You such a blessing & a help to the community and your tail is stunning!

[Mermaid Star]

Oh gosh, thank you! I took my measurements for the dorsal and will be transferring them and marking out on the tail soon. I have been trying to work around my crazy work schedule but I get home at midnight. So there usually isn't much time to work in the studio. A good portion is cleaned out and now I just have to set everything up! Yay! Progress. Slow moving but progress none the less

[Mermaid Cascada]

How many foam circles did you cut out all together? So far I have cut out about 1,350. My hands hurt :p

[Mermaid Aurora]

After finishing this whole thread, I really want to make my own tail. My dad really wants to help me make one and I think that you've inspired me to make one(: How long did it take you? i mean from starting the foam punching to completion?

[Jinx]

hi star! love the thread. i am hoping you may have some advice for me. if you got to my thread you can see what i am up to. http://mernetwork.com/showthread.php?Making-my-first-swimable-tail . but the problem i am haaving is a glue issue. i have a lexan extended monofin with vinyl tubes i am sticking it to my neoprene. i also had vinyl sheeting i was planning on using but my glue issues caused me to trash that idea. i was using goop marine glue and it was working great. then i decided to prep too big on an area at a time. that causedit to take too much time to prep so when i went to stick the materials together they bad begun to cure too long and they repelled each other. so i tried spray adhesive, a marine hot glue, dive suit cement. they all failed. so tonight i decided to begin over. I started ripping the sheeting tubing andglue all off of the fin. while doing that i also cut my hand open cause the glue was so thick it took a big razor knife(7inch) to scrape it off. I ended up with a bunch of stitches on my writing hand after a trip to the ER and my bf won't let me work on it until it heals a bit. so i am now trying to figure out the best way of glueing it. i have decided that i will be making a cay moldnd filling it with the alex (yeah i know its crap but i'm on a tight budget) and then i was figuring on pressing the tubing and lexan into it or glueing it. which way do you think will work? do you have any better suggestions? i am thinking i would use that e6000 to glue the lexan in. help! any thoughts will be appreciated. thanks!

[Mermaid Star]

Kimmie, I think I used a little over 1800 foam circles. I feel your pain with your hands. I know mine hurt quite a bit too after all of that. Don't forget to take breaks.

Sophia, I am not really sure how long it took me... I want to say 2-3 months. I am still tweeking it and working on getting it just the way I want. I also take quite a few breaks, so it could go faster for someone who is a little bit more diligent.

Jinx, I haven't had a chance to fully go over your thread. I am sorry you are having such a hard time with your tail. You should let your hand heal before you continue work. You wouldn't want it to take longer to heal or possibly get infected since you are using so many adhesives and such. If you have to work, be sure to wear gloves to at least protect the wound. I personally haven't worked with lexan. If it is really smooth ( I think it is a plastic, correct?) if so, I would take a really gritty sandpaper or a sanding paper for dry wall and score the lexan a bit with it. Just to give something the glue can grab on to. Take your time with your project (I know it is hard to do, I don't like to do it either but it will help you in the end) I do suggest using the E-6000. It is expensive, but very good. I am having a hard time deciphering what you are trying to tell me about your fluke and how to do it. So you may have to re-pose your question. I will try to answer the best way I can.

[Jinx]

i guess a plastic is the closest thing to describe lexan. its not very smooth anymore but that is a realitive term. basically i am trying to find the best way to glue the latex to the lexan, then the neoprene as well. previously i used the goop marine to get it all together but like i said tht idea is out the window. and dont worry i will be careful with my injury. my bf works in the medical care industry and rehabing this kind of stuff is his job. i just have to be extra careful because my m.s. keeps me from feeling my hands mostly so i dont feel things like infection. i only feel big stuff with the nerve damage i have.

anyways yeah glue? i think i will get e6000 in the am walmart has it for $2.79 2oz tube how far can a tube cover in square inches?

[Mermaid Star]

I am really not sure. I used 5 10oz tubes for my monofin and fluke. It barely covered my monofin properly. (Though I really covered it all the way up to the ridges) You would probably use less of the material since your monofin is flat. Use the E-6000 on the Lexan and Neoprene. I would use more latex to attach the Latex and neoprene together.

[Jinx]

I am really not sure. I used 5 10oz tubes for my monofin and fluke. It barely covered my monofin properly. (Though I really covered it all the way up to the ridges) You would probably use less of the material since your monofin is flat. Use the E-6000 on the Lexan and Neoprene. I would use more latex to attach the Latex and neoprene together.
great thanks a bunch for the pointers!

[Mermaid Star]

No problem! Glad to help!

[Mermaid Narina]

did you use neoprene underneath? if you did, how thick was it, and was it easy to attach to the latex?
thanks ^.^

[Mermaid Star]

I used 2mm Neoprene as a liner. I attached the latex with more latex. Just be sure to keep the neoprene well ventilated as it will soak up the ammonia that the latex releases. If it doesn't have access to the air and ventilation it will not dry.

[Mermaid Narina]

Ah, I get it now :) thankyou! :D

[ShyMer]

I went back through this thread today, and while I remember you saying how much you ordered, I don't remember seeing how much latex you actually ended up using for this tail. I remember you used around a gallon or so for your fluke. How much do you think you used in the end?

[Mermaid Star]

I used approximately 5 gallons total... but I probably should have only used 4 gallons. The tail is a bit thick and is extremely strong so it doesn't stretch as much as it should. If I had used less latex, it would have stretched more. So 4 gallons is probably good. But I always over buy, just in case I need more.

[Ilonka]

5 gallons? Holy crap, is it solid latex of did you se neoprene too? Mine only took 2 gallons and it has extra fins and a 55 inch fluke

[Mermaid Star]

The Fluke is Solid latex except for the monofin. I used a neoprene backing on the scales but I did cut away a significant portion of the scales since I did full sheets rather than just pouring what I needed. The latex was also used to attach everything to each other. It really adds up

[ShyMer]

Thanks for the response, Star. When might we be able to see some more swimming vids from you in this tail?

[Mermaid Star]

I will be starting some updates to the tail very shortly to make the fit better so i don't have to use lube to get into it. And allow better access to the monofin straps. Hoping to start this weekend. I am going to need to find a 30" zipper as well.

[Keiris]

Hi Star! I have been having the hardest time finding the right punch to fit the foam sheets in to punch scales. I have tried 3 now and none of them have a slot big enough to insert the foam. Am I missing something? Tried two stapler type punch and one scissor type. Need your guidance!

[Mermaid Star]

The stapler type is what I used. You have to shimmy the foam into the slot. You shouldnt have to shove but you may have to wiggle it in a little. The foam is the adhesive backed craft foam. The kind of foam I got was by Creatology.

This is the punch I got.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/395980_201251933299964_328769201_n.jpg

[Keiris]

Thanks for the quick reply Star! That's the first one I got and took back and replaced with two others by Fiskars. They were all too tight for the foam! I bought the same foam as you. I'm going to look again tomorrow. They also have a cookie cutter type that looks like a pain in the ass, but maybe I am trying to force the foam too much. Thanks again, though!

[Ayla of Duluth]

Thanks for the quick reply Star! That's the first one I got and took back and replaced with two others by Fiskars. They were all too tight for the foam! I bought the same foam as you. I'm going to look again tomorrow. They also have a cookie cutter type that looks like a pain in the ass, but maybe I am trying to force the foam too much. Thanks again, though!
I'm having this exact same issue. I bought craft foam sheets, 2mm thick, and none of the punchers worked. I've tried paper shapers, Martha Stewart, and one other staple style brand. They're all too tight. You'd think they could make the slot space even remotely adjustable. Nope.

[Keiris]

You're right Ayla! That would be logical...especially if a person wanted to cut multiples at once. At the rate it took me to cut one piece of a circle, I'll be gray by the time I've amassed a full sheet's worth. Irritating. Are you casting latex or silicone?

[Mermaid Star]

You can't put the foam in with one hand. You have to see-saw it in to place with both hands and then slide it over by pulling on the side you just cut. It should fit. If you are still having trouble I will see if I can find the punch and some extra foam and do a quick video on how I got it to work.

[Keiris]

awww Star, you're awfully kind to do that. For some reason, I just assumed that the foam would slide in easily and that I could knock the circles out quickly. I have to assume they are all the same then and that it's going to be more tedious. Thanks again!

[Mermaid Cascada]

Thanks for the quick reply Star! That's the first one I got and took back and replaced with two others by Fiskars. They were all too tight for the foam! I bought the same foam as you. I'm going to look again tomorrow. They also have a cookie cutter type that looks like a pain in the ass, but maybe I am trying to force the foam too much. Thanks again, though!

I also had a hard time getting the foam in I have the same punch as Star and if you pull it in and then move it back and forth it should work. :D good luck

[Ilonka]

All my foam scales were hand traced and hand cut :l wasn't fun at all. But I did it for a unique scale shape but next time I'm definitely getting one of those.

[Mermaid Star]

Alright! It has been a while since I have been able to work on my tail. I have been sick this week and have been out of work for three days. After a few days of not being able to get out of bed, I had grown tired of staring at my four walls and got an urge to work on my tail today. I had cleaned up the back portion, of what will be my studio, a few weeks ago and it has just been sitting there waiting to be used. So I finally got back there today to work on my dorsal.

So here is a look at my studio... so far. (there is a lot more cleaning up to do, but it is functional)

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/558260_10151125272885289_821302997_n.jpg

So I started off today with looking at my fish in my fish tank to see what their dorsal fins look like and then went into my kitchen to find something that will work for texturing. Merpirate pulled out a tool that I had originally passed up but on second look, thought that it might work. I will reveal more on that later. I went out to my studio and measured out the length I wanted my dorsal and drew out a tempate on a piece of wood.

I grabbed some of that old clay that I used on my fluke and got to work.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/403778_10151125272780289_1890329138_n.jpg

Rolling pins work great for smoothing out clay, you just have to keep the pin wet.

After getting the clay filled in on my template I pulled out my handy dandy kitchen tool.... a crinkle blade vegetable slicer! Weird, I know, but it works!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/426999_10151125273055289_529541840_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/482141_10151125272975289_76620276_n.jpg

This will be a tattered dorsal rather than a sold one but it is based off of my Sail fin Molly.

After I finished the detail, I made a wall around my "sculpt" with more clay.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/527039_10151125273255289_1431473042_n.jpg

Then I mixed up a batch of thin ultracal (for beauty coat and simply because I didn't have enough to make a thicker batch) and slowly added onto the the area to be molded before I poured the rest in.

Since it is so thin, I will need to wait over night and I will check it tomorrow when I get home from work. Luckily, Florida is quite warm so it should set up and cure pretty quickly. I will let you know the results tomorrow! :D

[Mermaid Narina]

looks sooooo cool! Its great that you have your own studio for making tails ^.^
I was just wondering star, seeing as you have experience with latex, if you think it would work to make a starfish out of latex, in the same way that your making that fin (with clay and ultracal). would it end up as a flexible, realistic starfish (like for in your hair, belt, top or decoration or whatever?
thanks! i dont have any experience with latex, so i just wanted to know your thoughts on it! :)

[Winged Mermaid]

looks sooooo cool! Its great that you have your own studio for making tails ^.^
I was just wondering star, seeing as you have experience with latex, if you think it would work to make a starfish out of latex, in the same way that your making that fin (with clay and ultracal). would it end up as a flexible, realistic starfish (like for in your hair, belt, top or decoration or whatever?
thanks! i dont have any experience with latex, so i just wanted to know your thoughts on it! :)

You can take pretty much any object and create a mold from it! Instead of sculpting something from clay, just make a mold from the original object! Mike Van Daal does this with starfish and shells and casts them in silicone to make just as realistic looking but waterproof and COMFORTABLE accessories! The only comfortable sea shells you'll ever have directly on your boobs :P (Example part1 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=196521533717978&set=a.196521103718021.37903.184952671541531&type=3&theater), part2) (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=196521663717965&set=a.196521103718021.37903.184952671541531&type=3&theater). They sell all kinds of kits for this kind of thing! Here's one from Smooth-On (silicone) (http://www.smooth-on.com/p130/Beginner-Pourable-Mold-Rubber-Options/pages.html).

[Mermaid Narina]

im not sure if you have mentioned this previously (ive been searching through the thread) but how much ultracal did you use for the tail?

[Mermaid Narina]

Thanks Winged Mermaid! :) Thats such a good idea, I cant wait to experiment with it :D

[merpirate]

:::UPDATE::::

OK so the ultracal was to thin and cracked when we went to lift it off the clay mold, the good news is however that the clay mold suffered no serious damage to it and we will be making it again as soon as we get some more ultracal.

In ither news Star might not be on often since every moment of free time seems to go into making another mermaid skin order (So far eight orders alone this week!!!). I will try and remember to ask her how much Ultracal was used and post it for you soon

[Mermaid Star]

Thanks for posting, merpirate! The clay sculpture is ok and had wet paper towels on it to keep out moist. And winged is totally right! If you take a starfish and coat it in a release agent and mold it, you can pour latex or silicone and have a nice soft starfish that is able to go into the water! As for the ultra cal, I used almost all of 100 lbs for the sales and for the fluke. I hope that helps

[Mermaid Narina]

Thanks Star! Your tutorial is one of the most useful I have found! Your dorsal fin looks amazing! :D <3

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you!!! I am glad it is helpful to you. If you need anything, let me know!

[Mermaid Crystal]

i have trouble figuring out how you got the monofin in the fluke.... thanks in advance!:)

[Mermaid Star]

The fluke was two halves. I sandwiched the monofin between the two halves and secured it with a bunch of e6000. (best glue ever!)

[Mermaid Crystal]

Thank you!

[Mermaid Star]

You are most welcome!

[Mahi Mermaid]

Hey star--just want to say you are doing an amazing job!

I do wonder, could you cut out the step of making the clay mold...like when you put down the foam circles for the scales, why not just pour the latex over that? and then peel the foam circles off?

I don't know if you tested that or not, but seems like it would make things a little easier at least for the scales.

the fluke and dorsal definitely need the clay!

[Mermaid Star]

The reason you want to make a mold of your scales is because you need to make a negative of the scales so when you pour the latex over it the scales will come out positive. Since the latex is obviously a liquid it wants to fill in all of the space underneath it and it wants to settle and become flat on top. So, say you poured the latex over the foam circles, when you peel the latex up you would end up with a negative image of the scales on the bottom of the latex (where you would normally have the positive in a mold) and on top you would either have a very flat piece of latex or a muted version of what you wanted. I think I understand what you are trying to do, but it is best to take the extra time to do it with a mold than trying to short cut it. You will be happier with your end result if done this way all the way through. (I found this out the hard way with the first scale sheet I attempted.)

[Mahi Mermaid]

oh yeah- I didn't even think of that! Thanks!!

[Sea Pearl]

Goodness Star, your tail looks amazing! I love the colours and how realistic it looks.

[Mermaid Star]

No problem Krystal and Thank you very much Sea Pearl!!!! I have put the slit down the back the size that I need the opening for the zipper. I am going to have to add an extra piece of fabric and scales to make it the proper size and then I will be working on my dorsal. I am shooting to have this finished by the 13th of September. Fins crossed

[Lyna]

that fluke is gorgeous!!! wow all you crafty people. i seriously missed my not calling...i'm what i was meant to be...but i was born without several innate mermaid tendencies that are required. like talent for making beautiful things.

[starlite]

congrats it's an amazing job !

[Mermaid Star]

Lyna, Just give it a try! Seriously, I had no idea what I was doing, hence all of the mistakes. But you will never know if you don't try, and you just might surprise your self, like I did. I am a costumer so I know some basics and I also knew that the first one I made wasn't going to be the best. I am still working on this tail to make sure it is fully functional and fits me the way I want it to. I dorsal model did not take the first time I did it. It was too thin as I had ran out of Ultracal. I have more, but have yet to create a new dorsal sculpt. The slit in the back for the zipper was covered by a thin layer of scales that over lapped each other. I have pictures but haven't posted them yet.. sorry, I am such a slacker.

Heat setting of the paint did occur but testing has been put on hold until I can finish the back side, where I will slit the rest of the tail open and add another zipper so I can get in and out of it without a problem. Createx paint that is in the area where I will be adhering the scales covering the zipper will needed to be dremeled off as the paint will not allow the latex to adhere to it self.

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Starlite

[Taz]

This is such a brilliantly illuminating thread of information, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing.

Is there an alternative to using neoprene as a base? I've heard of the shortcomings of neoprin, but as I carefully plan my own latex tail, I am getting really hung up on the idea of neoprene being to thick (not to mention, I do not have a sewing machine suitable for tackling the stuff).

Would it be possible to make a latex tail with no base that its attached to? I was thinking of making a stretchy fabric "slip cover" (swimsuit material or similar) for my legs to protect them from the latex directly touching my skin.
I say unattached to the latex because gluing latex scales onto thin material with more latex would soak right through the fabric, then you'd wind up with latex touching your skin anyway!
Or should I just bite the damn bullet and use neoprene? Haha, I just love the idea of a fabric free tail ... guess i'll have to save for dragon skin then ;)

But I am very curious if anyone has any thoughts about a fabric free latex tail.

[Winged Mermaid]

Neoprin isn't really thinner in actual thickness, it's just far less dense. You can get 0.5mm neoprene. Also you don't HAVE to use any kind of fabric as a base if you don't want to- it just makes the construction process easier to have it. Having a latex-only tail is an option. You may already know about this, but I do need to throw out a warning here - there are mermaids who have bought latex-only tails and ended up developing an allergy from wearing them. The fabric barrier is one precaution. So even having some spandex on the inside like you suggested would help. Another precaution would be to always wear tights (spandex tights) when wearing your tail.

[Mermaid Star]

I found that the neoprene is very helpful! It adds some buoyancy to the tail to counter the weight of the latex and it really helps keep you warm when in the water for long periods of time. I was swimming with with another mermaid at a gig who had many mermaid gigs under her belt. Her tail had neoprin in it and mine had neoprene. She was freezing by the end of each set. I was cold but no where near having the need to get out. I was able to stay in the pool longer and stay more comfortable through out the gig ( I feel) because of the neoprene backing that I have in my tail.

Please note that I have had a lot of sizing issues with my tail because latex does not like to stretch. I highly recommend adding a zipper into your design.

[Mer_Adella]

This thread is so inspiring....but I think my boss would like me to work a little, although he is reading everything over my shoulder. I keep hearing him mumble as he reads and then tells me "your scrolling to fast" when i try to read ahead lol.

this is just amazing to read it and see what happens. It gets my boggle just a rolling with ideas. thanks for all the information, the time, and the beautiful outcomes. :)

[Mermaid Star]

I am glad you and your boss are enjoying the thread. I haven't added much as I haven't been working on the tail as much these days. I took it for its first full swim on a gig about a month ago and it performed well. Some of the paint came off on the scale flap that is covering up the zipper in the back. I think I didn't heat set it enough as it was cast much thinner than the other scales for flexibility and it burns easier because of it. The double sided zipper was really great to have since, in a normal tail. if your monofin strap falls off your heel you have to take the tail off to access the monofin. Since I had installed the double sided ziper I was able to have my tender unzip the bottom of my tail, re-attach the monofin strap, rezip and send me on my way. Super convenient!

Here are some pictures of the tail from the gig (night swim)

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/23890_364658510292638_2091998186_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/548872_364658526959303_140620106_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/14370_364658470292642_504608577_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/525658_364658630292626_1707914402_n.jpg

[lynsea]

Your heels look practically invisible! Would LOVE to see it out of the water!

[Mer_Adella]

Wow! what kind of a gig was that? I mean I see you and another mermaid in a large pool with ....kayaks? in the water. And almost like stadium seats...
that must have been fun and interesting :)

I like the idea of the second zipper. Sounds like you have it on "easy-street" with that tail.

[Mermaid Star]

I would like to get better pictures of it out of the water. The picture in my sig with me on the couch was before I had it fitted so it was really wrinkly. The paddle boards had lights on them so that they could see us in the pool. Thank goodness for them! The guests were at tables and seats around the pool with fire pits in some areas as it was a cold night. I believe it was for the air force but I am not sure. They had a lot of air force stuff around but I never caught who the client was. Thank you for the comments by the way! You guys are awesome!

[Mermaid Narina]

thats amazing! do you have any videos of you underwater? :)

[Usagi]

This probably sounds weird, but what about getting a cane-like object, lubing it up if you need to, shoving it down the tail and using the hook-shaped end to pull the straps up?

[NerineArcticMermaid]

i just read all 24pages.. holey moley!

Love your tail.. orange is your color for sure!

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you Guys!

Natasha,

I don't really have any of this tail yet. I have a short video in this tail in some really murky water before it was finished. I need to get some video when I get more time and we are not in the holiday season as work is super busy. But know that I am working on it! I do however have videos of me swimming in my other tails that I have made on my youtube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/user/AlexieStar?feature=mhee) Feel free to check them out. I love getting comments from viewers and fellow mers!

sydthefairebrat (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?1700-sydthefairebrat)

I have not tried that , it might work well for others but might look very odd during a gig shoving a massive hook down your tail. My tail is also extremely tight and doesnt stretch much. With my luck, I would get it stuck down there. LOL I am not the most graceful person out there. But for others, a hook might work perfectly for circumstance!

Nerine: Haha! I know! This thread is forever long. Thank you for taking the journey with me. I am so glad I could share the experience with all of you. It makes me feel like all of the shortcomings and pitfalls were worth it in the end to be able to celebrate the successes with my other mers out there. Much <3

[Mermaid Wesley]

Just read through this entire thread and OH MY LORD! I cannot WAIT to make my first tail <3 its just going to be fabric, but hey, im a college student on financial aid :) I wont have any excuses now. I HAVE to follow through on my tail!

[Usagi]

So I was looking for some of the EM-217 clay and found a place that sells it at 50 lbs for $0.315/lb. If my math is correct, that's $15.75. Does that sound like a good price?

[Mermaid Star]

MerHopefully, That is how I got my start, with a fabric tail. Small steps. You will get there! sydthefairebrat, That sounds like a very fair price. I cant remember how much I paid, but I think it was around $20-$25.

[drucilla]

Your tail is really cool :)

[Mermaid Star]

Thank you! :)

[Mermaid Star]

Here is a video of how she swims! It isn't bad but it isn't what I was hoping for. I am already working on a silicone tail project (fund raising at the moment via Kickstarter) and will be working out all the issues that I have had with this tail. But you can see how it all turned out!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYWz_SlzrZM

[Jinx]

So I was looking for some of the EM-217 clay and found a place that sells it at 50 lbs for $0.315/lb. If my math is correct, that's $15.75. Does that sound like a good price?

Where did you find that clay?

[Mermaid Star]

I am not sure where they found their clay. But I highly recommend purchasing a local as possible.I will cut down on shipping greatly and save you a bunch of money. Though $15.75 is a very good price for the clay. Search WED clay in a search engine. If you are going to be making a silicone tail, you might want to get sulfur free clay so it doesn't inhibit.

[Azurin Luna]

I like your tail, love the belt too. Now I wish I could swim as gracefully as you underwater to make a nice swimming movie of my new tail ;)

[Mermaid Star]

You can swim just like me. Just relax and dont feel rushed like you have to get it right in one take. I spend hours in the pool shooting for just a 3-4 minute video. The more you relax the long your can stay under water too! PS keep your eyes peeled. I am beginning my silicone tail and will be posting a new thread soon! :)

[Miyu]

First of all, your tail is SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME! And this thread is so comprehensive!

Also:




http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/549368_276103369149110_109130392513076_601878_2979 84361_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/575594_276103569149090_109130392513076_601880_1134 383836_n.jpg

O.O;

OMG. Fangirl time now. *Plays some Repo!*

...I am so jealous right now... -_-

[Mermaid Star]

Yay!!! Fellow Repo Fan! That picture was at the Devils Carnival showing in Tampa Florida. The guys are very nice. I wish I would have talked with Darren more, but he was more to him self. T, well, I have known him for a few years now. He was not in the best spirits that night. I am hoping that when he comes back to Florida, he will have some time for some RnR and hopefully he brings Spooky Dan with him. Spooky Dan was really great and sat and talked with me all night. He was a really awesome guys and someone I would definitely like to add to my group of friends that I hang out with if we lived closer together.

Thank you for the kind comments on my tail. I hope to make a better one soon and I will try and take pictures and post everything all at once so people dont have to wade through all of this to get the info.

[Amore]

So I have watched all of your youtube videos and read your step by step but I still have a question. I saw you laying out the scales and I was wondering if they were spread out or if some of them were overlapping at all?

[Mermaid Star]

All of the scales over lapped one another vertically by about half. Horizontally, they are side by side with no over lap but no gap either.

[Mermaid Clara]

I have a few questions for making a latex mermaid tail:
1. can I just paint my latex into my fluke mold or do I have to pour it in?
2. if I pour it in my mold what is the best way to get the air bubbles out of the latex?
3. do I need a mold release in my molds before I put in my latex? (I'm using fiberglass molds)
also how thick do my scale sheets and my fluke have to be? I'm not using any neoprene underneath.

[Stefani]

Hello, I have a problem with drying silicone "Dragon Skin".
My mold is not liquid plastic, silicone is yesterday buy dragon skin for my tail, the top is dry, but the bottom is still sticky (humeda. ..) why? that I can do?

[MermaidSierra]

Stefani I hope you have found a solution to your silicone problem already... but I had the same issue when I was using silicone to make silicone sea stars and shells for tops and what I realized is that it was the material of my mold causing my silicone to be unable to cure on the bottom. I was using a latex mold like a dumby! It specifically says in the pamphlet that comes with the dragon skin NOT to use a latex mold. lol I'll be switching to a fiberglass resin mold in hopes that it will eliminate my problem...

[Fallenrose.^,^.]

im sorry i have to ask, but where did u get your latex from? I wanted to know if you got it from a trusty online shop or not. Thankyou.

[Mermaid Clara]

im sorry i have to ask, but where did u get your latex from? I wanted to know if you got it from a trusty online shop or not. Thankyou.

She got it from Monster Makers.


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Лукь (http://factoringfee.ru/t/198888)

[xaccer2]

по�м (http://filmzones.ru/t/128470)

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Piet (http://gadwall.ru/t/128943)

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Ва�и (http://gaffertape.ru/t/280547)

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Geor (http://gageboard.ru/t/262544)

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поющ (http://gagrule.ru/t/15693)

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Sony (http://gallduct.ru/t/164706)

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Prof (http://galvanometric.ru/t/65146)