How can I make foam less absorbent?

[MermaidIndie]

So I'm taking on the challenge of a full latex tail, last time I tried I had to do different scales because the plaster I was using for my scale mold keep sticking to the foam
And then breaking, can I put some sort of epoxy on the foam scales so they won't stick to the plaster? Also is there any way to prevent my plaster mold from
breaking when I try to pull it off the scale mold?

[Triton-Mahtlinnie]

I found that Shellac-ing my foamie scales worked rather well. I flipped over the completed mold and was able to fairly easily peel the scales out.

[MermaidIndie]

I'll have to try that, thanks!


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[Mermaid Julz]

Use Vaseline and a hair dryer. coat it well and heat it to spread evenly. Plaster molds are nice, but heavy. If you feel comfortable doing it, I suggest fiberglass molds. stronger and lighter. but back to the sticking problem. if you coat them well with a paint brush while the Vaseline is hot and liquidy, you can coat it evenly and it will act as a barrier from the plaster sticking to the foam scales. It doesn't take long to do either. I used it for my first molds which were plaster, but the broke, so I used fiberglass next.

Its cheap and effective.

As for the breaking... make sure you are using something inside the mold to help strengthen it. cut up burlap works best. remember to pour your molds in layers so they can dry properly over a few days. if you don't let them completely cure.... SNAP! another thing I would do is knock off all the side boards that you used to make the mold, then place a board on the mold and have someone help you flip it carefully.

[MermaidIndie]

Thanks Julz, I got some Vaseline last night so I'm going to try that and the spray sealer on a few test swatches of scales. I'll let you guys know how it turns out!


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[Mermaid Julz]

here is a video I made about it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5MRR-MeWsw

I got the whole series from start to finish you can use for reference if you like. after this just go to my channel to see the rest of them.