Merman tail help

[Merman Orion]

Greetings everybody,

I’m currently in preproduction for a short film about a pirate fighting merman. The actor who is going to play the merman is me, so that’s probably going to make it easier but I need some tail advice and this seemed like the right place to ask.

I know I want to make a latex(not alex) tail and I’ve looked at a few threads on the subject but i have some questions.

I was wondering if you can make a scale box out of cardboard or does it have to be wood?

Will air dry modeling clay work for sculpting a fluke?

And I'm also curios about how much neoprene and latex I’ll need for this project.

I’m about 5’9”, 135 pounds with a 30 waist. My jeans are usually a mens 29’ 30’.

I’m also curious about what is the best undergarment for a guy to wear under a tail. Something like a speedo or compression shorts?

One last question, does anyone of you know how well the Finis Foil monofin works for tail?

Thanks guys.

[MerAnthony]

Alot people use a foil for a tail an so does some tail makers but that is a matter of your choice. As for somthing under your tail I just use spandex shorts but that is a matter of your choosing as well. Everybody is different on what they use or by choice.

[MerEmma]

I honestly don't see Cardboard working well for a scale box. I haven't heard of anyone using it either and generally wood isn't hard to find so tbh I'd recommend just getting some wood.

I believe any clay will work as long as it is sulfur free? Not sure but someone else can answer this I'm sure.

I'd get three yards of neoprene but I don't know about the latex. Many can get away with less neoprene but to be honest you're quite tall so I'd recommend just springing for the rest of it, as you don't want to have to order more.

A Foil will work just fine, the kick will probably be just fine, not super fast but it will make for a very floppy, flowy fluke. Just keep in mind that with such the fluke (if larger than the monofin) will be a bit more difficult to maneuver, particularly on land.

[AniaR]

a lot of those questions are best answered by directly asking the supplier of the latex :) and the clay!

[Trident True]

[QUOTE=wonderboy1234;95162]Greetings everybody,

I’m currently in preproduction for a short film about a pirate fighting merman. The actor who is going to play the merman is me, so that’s probably going to make it easier but I need some tail advice and this seemed like the right place to ask.

I know I want to make a latex(not alex) tail and I’ve looked at a few threads on the subject but i have some questions.

I was wondering if you can make a scale box out of cardboard or does it have to be wood?

if you purchase the monsters makers clay you can use that to make your barrier.

Will air dry modeling clay work for sculpting a fluke?

Modeling clay will work as ive used it. aslong as its sulphur free. however. modeling clay once dried gets very, very brittle. It can be moved but you have to be very careful with it. monsters makers clay is the best as you can move it around and it wont crack. i love this stuff. the best investment ive made for my project.

And I'm also curios about how much neoprene and latex I’ll need for this project.

What type of tail are you going for. one like H20 tails with an extension, or are you wanting to make a tail where your flipper stops? if so all you will need is enough neoprene to cover your legs and have about 5'' haging over your feet. enough to attach to the filpper. 2.5 meters should be more than enough as your about my height. just be aware of the width. make sure it will wrap around your body.

I’m about 5’9”, 135 pounds with a 30 waist. My jeans are usually a mens 29’ 30’.

I’m also curious about what is the best undergarment for a guy to wear under a tail. Something like a speedo or compression shorts?

make a neoprene sack that goes over your legs this will hide all of your bits a bobs. haha. i will be doing the same thing. expecially if you have Boney Knees.


One last question, does anyone of you know how well the Finis Foil monofin works for tail?

have No idea, as im making my own flipper.. good luck

Thanks guys.

[ShyMer]

If you choose to use air dry clay, don't actually let it dry before you do any molds. It doesn't come out of the mold well if you do, and if it dries unevenly it could crack, which is a disaster. This is one reason why everyone loves monster maker clay- it stays moist a really long time because it's oil based.

When I made my tail, I used about two and a half, three gallons of latex, but I think I cast my latex too thick for the body and wasted a lot making mistakes, so you could get away with less. Maybe.

Latex is a pain to fit though, if you don't make it as tight as it can possibly be, it looks really baggy and sad, so watch out for that.

[Merman Orion]

thanks for all your responses they're greatly appreciated. I've never tried to make anything this big and extravagant for a character's costume.

I was recently reading a thread her about punching out foam circles and the person who started the thread was having problems with whatever hole puncher she got cause it wasn't cutting or something and a few aid they had to get multiple cause the foam unsharpened the cutting hole.

Does everybody have this problem and need to get multiple punchers or is there one specific puncher that if almost 100% guaranteed to get through a whole tail.

Thanks again guys. Sorry I'm such a noob.

[Trident True]

I can't be of any use with the puncher, but this thread may help. http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5525-Jazz-s-H2o-Style-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Process/page3

[Merman Orion]

I can't be of any use with the puncher, but this thread may help. http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?5525-Jazz-s-H2o-Style-Silicone-Mermaid-Tail-Process/page3

thank you for this link. I never thought of using the sports ball shaped foam circles before. great idea. Think i'm gonna take it....

[spottedcatfish]

Good luck with the tail making process. There is a lot of resources and knowledge on here for working with silicone!